It should come as no surprise that Celtic have been linked with another Japanese talent.
The Hoops have reportedly been scouting Kanji Okunuki "intensively" over the last few weeks after enjoying huge success plundering the Japanese player market under Ange Postecoglou. Kyogo is the main man while compatriots Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda are key members of the squad, with Brendan Rodgers continuing to rely heavily on them despite a change in style since the Aussie's departure. Tomoki Iwata remains on the fringes, but scored his first goal for the club against Hearts last month and looks like he has something to offer.
Yuki Kobayashi looks like he could be on his way out, failing to be quoted even during a central defensive injury crisis, only named on the bench once this season. Yosuke ideguchi has become something of a forgotten man out on loan at Avispa Fukuoka back in Japan, although still has over two years left to run on his Celtic contract.
Okunuki could be the latest Japanese import to swell the ranks. But who is he and what would he add? Record Sport takes a closer look.
Who is Kanji Okunuki?
The 24-year-old was born in Saitama and progressed through the youth ranks with local club Omiya Ardija before graduating to the top team in January 2018. 14 goals in almost 100 appearances caught the attention of Gornik Zabrze of Poland. He joined the Ekstraklasa club on a season-long loan in August 2022, which included an option to make the deal permanent.
However, that wasn't taken up and Okunuki joined Nurnberg last summer. He's scored four goals in 15 appearances for the Bundesliga 2 outfit and received his first call up to the Japan squad last month, but is yet to make his debut for the Samurai Blue.
What type of player is he?
Okunuki is right footed but plays on the left. With Liel Abada out injured and Yang set to join Oh in the South Korea squad for the Asian Cup, that could come in handy. He can also operate in the No 10 position and as a second striker, although it's a No. 9 Brendan Rodgers really needs with Kyogo also set to be away with his country.
With almost four possession recoveries in the opposition's half per game, Okunuki would appear to fit Celtic's pressing style, even if it's not as intense as it was under Ange. He has two assists this season, although that number would be expected to go up playing in a team like eltic's, which dominates most games and create more chances.
Haven't we heard his name before?
Yes, he was heavily linked with Hearts last summer before making the move to Germany. The Jambos were in the market for a second striker or attacking midfielder and Okunuki fit the bill after Yutaro Oda impressed after an initial settling in period. However, a quoted fee of £400,000 made him an expensive proposition for the Tynecastle club and after an initial enquiry, there was no concrete approach, which allowed Nurnberg to get their man.
That sort of fee wouldn't have been an issue for Celtic. However, Nurnberg's willingness to let him leave and what sort of fee they would be looking for remains to be seen.
