CELTIC have confirmed the signing of Japanese Player of the Year Tomoki Iwata, a move forecast by CQN at the start of the week.
The defensive midfielder will arrive on an initial six-month loan from Yokohama F Marinos which will be made permanent at the end of the season.
Ange Postecoglou, who worked alongside the 25-year-old utility player at the J-League champions, 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 a versatile player who can operate in defence in midfield, a really committed footballer with some great attributes.”
PRIZE GUY…Tomoki Iwata with this season’s J-League Player of the Year award.
“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.
The Hoops boss, speaking to the Celtic website, added: “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.
“We are sure he can also bring this real high level of quality to our squad.”
Iwata is now the SIXTH J-League recruit for Postecoglou after striker Kyogo Furuhashi paved the way in his ground-breaking £4.6million move from Vissel Kobe in July 2021.
Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi arrived in a triple swoop at the turn of the year and central defender Yuki Kobayashi agreed a five-year contract earlier this month.
The deal will be activated when the transfer window opens at the weekend.
Canada World Cup right-back Alistair Johnston will also become a signed and sealed Hoops player following his £3.5million switch from MLS club CF Montreal earlier this month.
