Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou's Japanese experience has come to the fore as the Scottish giants signed Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi on a four-year contract.
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The transfer, which is subject to international clearance, sees Furuhashi move to the Scottish Premiership from the J1 League, where he is currently top scorer in the ongoing 2021 season with 14 goals for Vissel Kobe.
Furuhashi is the Hoops' fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide from Sheffield Wednesday and Liel Abada from Maccabi Petah Tikva.
Former Socceroos coach Postecoglou had good knowledge of Furuhashi's ability from his time in Japan as coach of Yokohama F Marinos.
"We are delighted to bring Kyogo Furuhashi to Celtic. He is a player of real quality and clearly someone I know well," said Postecoglou.
"I think he will add something special to our squad and I am sure the way he plays will excite our supporters."
Furuhashi, who has scored three times in six internationals for Japan, helped to win Vissel Kobe's only two trophies in their history.
He was part of the side that lifted the Emperor's Cup on New Year's Day in 2020 after a 2-0 victory over Kashima Antlers at Tokyo's National Stadium, while he was also involved in the subsequent Japanese Super Cup triumph.
On that occasion the J1 League champions, Yokohama F Marinos, were managed by Postecoglou, with Furuhashi scoring in an entertaining 3-3 draw before Vissel Kobe got their hands on the trophy after winning a penalty shoot-out.
Australian Associated Press
