Celtic have announced that the signing of Japanese Player of the Year and internationalist, Tomoki Iwata from Yokohama F Marinos, subject to international clearance.
Just last month, Iwata was named the J-League Player of the Year after a fantastic season for his club as they lifted the League Championship title in Japan.
The 25-year-old can play in a variety of midfield and defensive positions and will join Celtic initially on loan but with a compulsory purchase clause included, meaning he will be with Celtic on a permanent basis from this summer, on a long-term deal.
Celtic manager, Ange 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 a versatile player who can operate in defence in midfield, a really committed footballer with some great attributes. 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 added: “I really am delighted to be joining Celtic, such a huge and successful club known across the world. I can’t wait to begin my journey with Celtic.
“Everything about Celtic excites me - the scale of the club, the supporters, the atmosphere, the style of football which the club is famous for and of course working with the manager and players.
“I am really looking forward to getting started, to meet my new team-mates and begin working on bringing our fans more and more success.”
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