Celtic in three-way transfer race for £6m Southampton outcast | OneFootball

Yuki Sugawara's future at Southampton is up in the air, with Celtic among the clubs chasing his signature

Celtic are among the clubs chasing the signature of Southampton defender Yuki Sugawara this summer.

According to German outlet Absolut Fussball, the Glasgow outfit are one of three sides interested in a deal for the full-back.

Sugawara spent last season on loan with Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen, making the move following the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League.

The Japanese international had made 31 appearances in the top flight, including 29 starts, contributing six assists.

The 26-year-old signed for the Hampshire outfit in the 2024 summer transfer window from AZ Alkmaar, and has now returned to St. Mary’s following the end of his loan spell.

But with the transfer window closing on 1 September, he could yet depart the club again on either a loan or permanent basis.

Trio of clubs chasing Southampton’s Yuki Sugawara

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Celtic are believed to be keen on a deal for Sugawara before the transfer market closes on 1 September.

However, the Premiership champions face competition from PSV Eindhoven, who are also eyeing a move for the right-back.

Werder Bremen are also understood to be interested in a deal to bring the player back to the club for this season.

Southampton have reportedly placed a €7 (£6) million price tag on the 26-year-old, and it’s been claimed that Werder Bremen are struggling to meet this figure.

This gives the advantage to Celtic and PSV in the race for his signature, and a return to Dutch football could be a possibility.

Sugawara made the move from Japan to Alkmaar in 2019, and he went on to play 135 times in the Dutch top flight across five campaigns before signing for Southampton.

The defender made 30 appearances in the Premier League for the Saints, and also played twice in the Championship, before signing on loan for Werder Bremen last summer.

Southampton’s summer business

Southampton have been reasonably quiet in the transfer market so far this summer, bringing in just a few fresh faces.

Lewis Dobbin is the main new signing, with Southampton agreeing a deal to bring him in from Aston Villa on a permanent basis.

Divin Mubama has also joined on loan from Manchester City, while George Long has arrived as a free agent.

Meanwhile, the Saints also agreed permanent deals for Cyle Larin and Daniel Peretz, who spent last season on loan in Tonda Eckert’s side.

Sugawara is believed to be one of six Southampton players that the German coach is willing to part with before the market closes on 1 September.

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Yuki Sugawara sale would be good business for Southampton

It’s clear that Sugawara is not part of Eckert’s plans going forward as he was not involved in the 2-1 loss to Watford last weekend.

If the Saints can recoup up to £6 million for his sale, then that would be a good piece of business due to him not being in their plans.

While it’s possible that Sugawara could have an impact in the team if given game time, it’s also reasonable to just cash in on this interest now.

His sale could be a deal that works best for all parties, and a return to Dutch football or a switch to Scotland are both enticing options for the next step in Sugawara’s career.