Celtic keen on Japanese defender Yuki Sugawara | OneFootball

The transfer rumours continue to gather pace, as it’s been reported that Celtic are one of three clubs said to be interested in Japanese international defender Yuki Sugawara…

The 26 year old who plays for Southampton, but spent the last season on loan at Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, and now the German side are looking to sign him on a permanent basis, but face a battle with not only Celtic but Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven who are also said to be keen to bring Sugawara to the Netherlands.

Yuki Sugawara of Southampton during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary’s Stadium on December 18, 2024 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

It could soon be just a straight battle between Celtic and PSV, as it’s been reported that Southampton have put a €7 million price tag on the player who has 25 caps for Japan, and represented the Samurai Blue at the recent World cup finals in the United States.

Sugawara is an ultra experienced player, and made the move from his native 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 full back made 30 appearances in the EPL for the Saints, before heading to Germany on loan last summer.

His time on the south coast is now over, as current Saints boss Tonda Eckert is willing to part with half a dozen of his squad, and it’s clear that Sugawara is on that list, with his admission from the squad in the Saints opening day loss to Watford on the opening day of the Championship another indicator that he’s not part of the German coaches plans going forward.

With Alistair Johnston out until November, it could well be that Celtic are looking at Sugawara as a potential target. If so, then it would be a positive move giving all the experience, and ability he can offer.

Martin O’Neill confirmed last night after the 3-0 win over LASK in the first leg of the Champions League playoff that Johnston would be having a scan today to determine the extent of his latest injury.

Colby Donovan of Celtic is challenged by George Bello of LASK during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Celtic manager relied on Colby Donovan as AJ’s stand-in and the young Scottish defender played brilliantly before being replaced by Anthony Ralston.

That gives O’Neill food for thought on whether a replacement right-back will be needed. Here’s what the Celtic manager had to say about Colby, and as we pointed out earlier with the new Scotland manager at the game last night, he could have played his way into the Scotland squad.

Camilo Duran of Celtic celebrates with teammate Colby Donovan after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“He did great. He really did great. He’s got a big, big heart, and that’s nice to see. Really nice to see,” Martin O’Neill stated. “He’s a local lad as well too, and loves it. Loves the football club, loves playing. His enthusiasm is boundless.

“He stuck to his task brilliantly tonight. He just goes for it. He’s always trying to improve his game, trying to improve his first touch, things like this here. But overall, I don’t think you can compensate for the heart that he has.”

Here’s Colby’s thoughts on last night’s 3-0 victory. over LASK…

The extend of the AJ’s injury and the length of time he’ll be sidelined for will be a major consideration in any decision to bid for Yuki Sugawara.

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