Celtic’s most interesting move of the January transfer window was the decision to sign Yosuke Ideguchi from Gamba Osaka. The midfielder was not enjoying a tremendous run of form in Japan like Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate were before their Parkhead transfers. And as a result, there were question marks over how he would do once he arrived in Scotland.

And it is safe to say that the start has not been brilliant for Ideguchi. He has already suffered an injury during his time at Celtic and has struggled to get regular playing time in Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Thus, it is only natural that fans would already be questioning whether it was the right decision to bring in Ideguchi in January. And to be honest, there was an element of risk involved in the move without any doubt.

But Ange Postecoglou appears to be sure that Ideguchi will eventually make his mark at Parkhead and he has been brought in with a long-term target in mind. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, the manager told Celtic View [Volume 57, Issue 3, page 13]:

“He’s probably been the unluckiest of the lot in that he got an injury early on just when he got himself to fitness, and it’s been a bit frustrating for him that I haven’t been able to give him more game-time. But with all of these guys, I didn’t buy them for the first 6 months.

“They’re here for the next 3 or 4 years and I’ve no doubt he’ll become an important player for us over the course of time. He’s a team-focused guy and even when he’s not playing, you see him in training and he’s our hardest worker and that raises the levels for everyone.”

Postecoglou makes Ideguchi reveal from Celtic training

Ideguchi made a brilliant start to his career in Japan and had even broken into their national team picture at a very early age. A move to Europe would end up stalling his development though and it did not work out for the midfielder the first time around, when he had joined Leeds United.

He resurrected his career after returning to Japan and has earned himself another chance in Europe, this time at Celtic.

There is no question about his potential. But till now, we are yet to see it, and to be very honest, he has been quite unlucky with how things have turned out. Let’s just hope that he can find his feet soon though and we might start seeing the best of Ideguchi from next season.

This article was originally posted here