Celtic Weighing Up Move For This Southampton Defender: Why He Should Be Brought In Amid Johnston’s Fitness Woes | OneFootball

If a recent transfer update from German outlet Absolut Fussball (as cited by The Glasgow Giants) is true, Celtic have registered their interest in Yukinari Sugawara ahead of a potential summer swoop. But they are not alone in the race, with Eredivisie champions PSV also in the mix for the Southampton right-back.

The 26-year-old Japanese international progressed through AS Laranja Toyokawa and Nagoya Grampus’ academy ranks before breaking into the latter’s first-team squad in the J1 League. Dutch outfit AZ snapped him up in the summer of 2019 on an initial season-long loan, and his rise as Jonas Svensson’s understudy earned him a five-year contract in Alkmaar.

After featuring regularly for AZ, Sugawara completed a €7m transfer to then newly promoted Premier League outfit Southampton ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. Despite making 30 appearances, he failed to leave a mark at St Mary’s, as the Saints finished rock bottom in the league standings.

BREMEN, GERMANY – APRIL 18: Yukinari Sugawara of SV Werder Bremen celebrates with his teammates after Jens Stage of SV Werder Bremen (not pictured) scores his team’s first goal during the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and Hamburger SV at Weserstadion on April 18, 2026 in Bremen, Germany. (Photo by Fabio Deinert/Getty Images)

Werder Bremen loaned him for their 2025-26 Bundesliga season, but are unlikely to bring him back after opting not to trigger the option-to-buy clause. While he still has a couple of years left in his Southampton contract, it remains to be seen whether another loan exit would be sanctioned before the summer window is slammed shut.

Why Celtic Should Bring Him In Despite Being Well-equipped On The Right

Celtic have emerged as one of his suitors, particularly after Alistair Johnston’s fresh injury concern. The Canadian missed most of the previous campaign with a hamstring problem and is now expected to be sidelined for around three months, decimating the Hoops down the right side yet again.

Although Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston are there as first-team alternatives, they could still pursue a move for Sugawara, as the Bhoys did last year, when they secured a loan deal for Julian Araujo from Bournemouth. The Mexican’s return to Parkhead is ruled out after an operation on his left thigh, having sustained an injury in a pre-season friendly against St. Pauli, and Martin O’Neill, who preferred Araujo over the other names, must be looking for proven experience.

Celtic have shown sheer ambition so far in the transfer window. They are going strong in all competitions, with all summer arrivals making an immediate impact in their respective roles. Donovan, 19, has got the nod over Ralston, but his lack of experience could be a factor in Europe.

Sugawara, a modern-day fullback known for his high energy and exceptional attacking contributions down the right flank, would inject a creative spark with his exquisite crossing ability and vision.  O’Neill relies on wing play in his trademark 4-2-3-1 set-up, and the Samurai Blue World Cup star should be a perfect fit, largely for his high tactical suitability and extensive top-flight European experience.