Celtic have reached an agreement to sign Japanese international striker Kyogo Furuhashi from J1-League club Vissel Kobe.
The 26-year-old will move to the Glasgow club on a four-year deal, subject to international clearance.
Furuhashi is the current top scorer in the J1 League – the top division in Japan – with 14 goals in 20 games, and he is a team-mate of Spanish football legend, Andres Iniesta, who captains the side.
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou said: "We are delighted to bring Kyogo Furuhashi to Celtic. He is a player of real quality and clearly someone I know well.
"I think he will add something special to our squad and I am sure the way he plays will excite our supporters. We look forward to welcoming him to Celtic."
🇯🇵 ➡️ 🏴 Good luck on your move to @CelticFC, @Kyogo_Furuhashi 🤩
🍀 Bhoys, here’s what you’ve got to look forward to! #WelcomeKyogo | @visselkobe | #CelticFC pic.twitter.com/R5wFIvQV5v— #ACL2022 (@TheAFCCL) July 16, 2021
Furuhashi has helped Vissel Kobe win the only two trophies in the club’s history so far – the Emperor’s Cup, when they beat Kashima Antlers 2-0 in the final on New Year’s Day 2020, and the subsequent Japanese Super Cup.
That match against the J1 league champions, Yokohama F Marinos, who were then managed by Postecoglou, saw Furuhashi score in the 3-3 draw, with Vissel Kobe winning the penalty shoot-out.
Furuhashi made his international debut against Venezuela in November 2019 and has scored three goals in six appearances for Japan.
Celtic start their Scottish Premiership campaign away to Hearts on July 31st but will be in action next week in the Champions League qualifiers when they face FC Midtjylland at Celtic Park.
