Ange Postecoglou has raided the J League again as he seeks to ensure Celtic stay clear of their Scottish title rivals.
The Australian coach has gone back to his old club, Yokohama F Marinos, to sign J League player of the year Tomoki Iwata for a second time.
The versatile 25-year-old will officially join Celtic on loan from Yokohama F Marinos on January 1 but the Premiership champions have a compulsory purchase clause included in the deal which will see him move on to a long-term contract in the summer.
Postecoglou said: “We really are delighted to be bringing Tomoki to Celtic and I am sure he will be a player that our supporters will like.
“He is at a great age for us where his career is on the right trajectory, but he already has a good level of experience.
“He has just had a brilliant season, he is very deserving of the accolade he has recently received as Japan’s player of the year and we are sure he can also bring this real high level of quality to our squad.”
Iwata normally plays at the base of the midfield but can also play right-back or central defence. He has four international caps but was not included in Japan’s squad for the World Cup finals.
He said: “I really am delighted to be joining Celtic, such a huge and successful club known across the world.”
Iwata becomes Celtic’s third January signing following the capture of his countryman Yuki Kobayashi and Canada right-back Alistair Johnston. They will be eligible to make their debuts against Rangers on January 2.
He is the sixth player Celtic have signed from the J League since Postecoglou took charge in the summer of 2021.
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