Yuki Kobayashi’s Celtic move collapses after he jets out for talks – Sources
Celtic defender Yuki Kobayashi’s loan move to HJK Helsinki has collapsed, sources have told Football Insider.
The 23-year-old had flown out for talks with the Finnish club after being given the green light by the Glasgow giants to move.
HJK were keen to sign Kobayashi with their transfer window open from now until April and negotiations were progressing.
But the move is currently off with the player now returning to training with his Hoops teammates.
Kobayashi is well down the pecking order at Celtic and has yet to feature for Brendan Rodgers’ side this season.
Celtic forgotten man Kobayashi sees out-of-window transfer collapse
He has featured in just one matchday squad so far in the 2023-24 campaign.
The centre-back joined Celtic from Vissel Kobe in January 2023 and signed a deal running until May 2028.
He turned out seven times in the second half of last season under former boss Ange Postecoglou but has been deemed surplus to requirements by new boss Rodgers.
Kobayashi is just one of the Japanese contingent at Celtic – with Tomoki Iwata, Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi also on the books at Parkhead.
The Hoops have recently fallen behind rivals Rangers in the race for the Scottish Premiership title.
Celtic sit two points behind the Gers in the table following their 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock on Saturday (17 February).
Football Insider revealed on Monday (19 February) that the club are not set to make a knee-jerk reaction on the future of Brendan Rodgers despite this new development.
In other news, expert claims Celtic and Rangers are untouchable as uncovered documents reveal £26million payout.
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.