Pundit surprised by ‘really big’ Celtic contract reveal after two new deals are done
Celtic have made a “really big show of faith” by handing Yosuke Ideguchi and Reo Hatate four-and-a-half-year contracts, according to Noel Whelan
The former Leeds and Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the duo need to repay the trust shown by the Bhoys with their performances out on the pitch.
As revealed on Friday (31 December), Ideguchi and Hatate have both signed committed until 2026, while Daizen Maeda will pen a “long-term” deal at the end of his loan spell.
Whelan admitted he was surprised by the length of the contracts handed out.
However, he insisted it would give the players peace of mind to focus on their football.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Ideguchi was a very strange signing for Leeds because we didn’t see him at all. As soon as he came in, he went out on loan. Really strange.
“But look, sometimes this happens. Players come in, they go out and they develop. They find their place at a certain club and that’s where they can progress as players.
“Obviously Postecoglou has seen that over his time working in Japan. He has highlighted these three players as potential players that can do what has been done from the start of the season, which is that progression.
“They’re trusting in these players because you don’t see too many signing four-and-a-half-year contract these days. It’s usually three, two-and-a-half, add-ons etcetera.
“So this is a surprise and a really big show of faith in these players. They don’t need to worry about a thing. Four years, they’ve got that.
“They just need to progress and show Celtic fans that they’re good players and they’re lucky to have them for the four years.”
Ideguchi has joined Celtic from Gamba Osaka, while Hatate left Kawasaki Frontale to move to Parkhead.
Meanwhile, Maeda has reunited with Ange Postecoglou after working together at Yokahama F. Marinos.
In other news, club insider reveals Celtic well placed to seal £2.5million signing which is ‘a brilliant deal for everyone’.