Celtic transfer news: Second star could leave Parkhead after bid accepted - sources

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

04 Mar 2024, 11:17 am

Celtic defender Yuki Kobayashi could be the second senior player from the club to agree an out-of-window transfer sources have told Football Insider.

As exclusively revealed by Football Insider on Sunday afternoon, Liel Abada is headed to MLS club Charlotte FC after Celtic agreed a fee of an initial £8million plus add-ons taking it to a potential £10m.

Kobayashi, 23, is also exploring a transfer after being told he is free to find a new club by manager Brendan Rodgers.

As revealed by Football Insider (19 February), the 23-year-old's move to the Finnish side HJK Helsinki broke down in the middle of last month after being given the green light by the Hoops to move.

Helsinki were eager to sign Kobayashi and he even flew out to the club for talks, but the move collapsed late on.

Yuki Kobayashi could follow Liel Abada out of Celtic exit door

It is believed that Kobayashi is not in the manager's plans at Parkhead after struggling to make an impression since his move in January of last year.

The centre-back is yet to make a single appearance for the Hoops this season and has only made the matchday squad on one occasion - Celtic's 1-0 win against Rangers in September.

He moved to the Glasgow giants from Japanese side Vissel Kobe on a five-and-a-half-year deal but has made just seven total appearances since his arrival.

He featured sporadically last season under former boss Ange Postecoglou, having made just six starts in all competitions.

In other news, Celtic fans rage as latest footage of Yang Hyun-Jun controversy analysed – ‘scandal’.

For more Celtic and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

Celtic