Who is Yuki Kobayashi? We assess Celtic’s new signing
AS Celtic dipped into the Japanese market once again, this time for Under- 21 internationalist Yuki Kobayashi from J- League side Vissel Kobe, we assess what the centre- back will bring to the Parkhead side after agreeing terms on a five- year deal.
Who is Yuki Kobayashi?
Born in Kobe, Yuki Kobayashi has just become Ange Postecoglou’s latest Celtic signing. At the age of 22, the young defender will be available for his new team in the new year as they aim to remain at the top of the Scottish Premiership table and also battle it out in both the League and Scottish Cups.
What is his contract situation?
Kobayashi has penned a fiveyear deal at Celtic meaning he is very much a player for the present and future at Parkhead. There will be little pressure on the Japanese star to hit the ground running when he links up with his teammates in January. He will be eager to pick up vital experience working alongside Cameron Carter- Vickers, Carl Starfelt, Moritz Jenz and Stephen Welsh as he aims to break his way into Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI. Kobayashi will join his new teammates when they return from a World Cup break on December 1 and he will be available for competitive action when the registration window opens in January 2023.
What type of player is he?
Kobayashi is a left- footed player, which is very much a sought- after attribute for a centre- back in this day and age. He has also been utilised as a left- back in the past, so he will act as solid defensive cover for Postecoglou in two positions. Kobayashi is very much a ball- playing defender and during this current season in Japan he averaged the third- highest number of passes per 90 out of his whole squad. At 6ft 1in is a decent height for a centre back so he will provide an aerial threat both going forward and in defence. He also has a good turn of pace for a defender.
Previous player history?
Kobayashi came through the same youth system as Kyogo at Vissel Kobe. During his time at the club, he spent
time on loan at second- tier Machida Zelvia and then with Yokohama FC in the 2020 J1 League where, at just 18 years old, he played alongside Celtic legend Shunsuke Nakamura.
After his loan spells, Kobayashi has become a regular with Vissel Kobe, making 22 appearances last season before cementing his first- choice status with 32 outings in this season’s competition. He has also played for his club in the Asian Champions League campaign.
On the international scene, he has featured numerous times at under- 20 level for Japan. Kobayashi now has his sights set on becoming a full international and his move to Celtic could well help to achieve that dream.
How will he fit in at Celtic?
Kobayashi becomes the fifth Japanese player to move to Celtic since Ange Postecoglou – who previously managed J League side Yokohama F. Marinos – took charge in the summer of 2021. Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate have all impressed so far during their spell in Scotland, while Yosuke Ideguchi has struggled with injury. All of the aforementioned have settled into the Celtic squad well so you would suspect Kobayashi will do the same.
There is certainly a central defensive spot up for grabs alongside CarterVickers and Kobayashi could be the answer for Postecoglou.