We were close to making Kyogo and Mitoma our first two signings
Ange admits he wanted to snare Brighton’s superstar
Five years ago Ange Postecoglou watched two Japanese kids emerge at Kawasaki Frontale – and knew they were destined for the top.
One of them was Kaoru Mitoma.
Now at Brighton, the winger is ripping up the Premier League.
W it h interest f r om Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid, the Seagulls wouldn’t part with him for anything less than £ 40million.
Incredibly, the Celtic boss has revealed he tried to bring Mitoma to Glasgow when he arrived at Parkhead as gaffer.
He was convinced he’d do a job for Hoops but was lef t frustrated as Brighton closed in on the Japan international.
The other 20-year-old to catch Postecoglou’s eye in 2018 was Reo Hatate.
Thankfully for the Celtic fans, he was snared by their shrewd Aussie boss.
And Hatate has made such an impact in Scotland that he’s hotly tipped to be this season’s Player of the Year.
Just l ike with Mitoma, Postecoglou knew the midfielder had what it took to play at the highest level.
And nothing he has done at Parkhead so far has changed his mind.
But why did Hatate fly under the radar in Japan before the Celtic gaffer got his man.
He said: “It actually wasn’t that long because Reo got into professional football late after being at university.
“He didn’t make his debut in Japan until he was 21.
“He only had a few years over there before Celtic.
“But I’d watched him and he broke in at the same time as Mitoma at Kawasaki Frontale.
“They were outstanding from the first moment they started playing.
“I knew Reo was going to be a very good footballer – with the potential to reach the very top.
“And he has been excellent for us. He’s only been here just over a year and has already made great strides.
“But he’s still got so far to go in the game. He’s going to be a top player and that’s what he’s working hard at every day.
“Thankfully, right now he’s doing it for our club.
“I did try to get Mitoma but it was already almost done for him to go to Brighton.
“In fact , he and Kyogo Furuhashi were the first two players I tried to bring across here to Celtic.
“Mitoma would have been a great signing but, unfortunately for us, Brighton also have a good scouting network.
“They managed to pick him up but there was never any doubt in my mind that he was going to be a top player.
“He’s done well in the Premier League, which hasn’t surprised me at all.”
Hatate was left gutted at his exclusion last month from the Japanese national team where he could have linked up again with Mitoma.
Both he and Kyogo were omitted by head coach Hajime Moriyasu to the bemusement of Celtic supporters.
Moriyasu is planning another visit to Scotland to watch the pair up close – but Postecoglou isn’t worried.
He says Hatate’s humility and level-headed nature helps him deal with setbacks.
And he has assured his midfield star that if he keeps performing to the level he’s at right now he will get the reward he deserves while still at Celtic.
Postecoglou said: “Reo and Kyogo have had disappointments already, like missing out on the World
Mit hav oma beenwou e sign ld ing a dou grea bt ..I’d t no top he’d play bea er
Cup, and they dealt with it well. They’re pretty smart young men. They’re ambitious and want to get the maximum out of their careers.
“They know that if they keep performing well for their club, those things will happen.
“They have a great attitude to it. Whatever disappointment they have, they channel it in the right way and it gives them more fuel to keep improving.
“They’ l l keep put t ing themselves forward for another opportunity. I’m sure it will come – this is only one camp.”
Hatate might not make today’s trip to Dingwall to face Ross County but he will be back in time for the Old Firm derby on Saturday.
One man who might take his place in the Highlands is David
Turnbull, who has managed just 10 starts for Celtic this season.
He was left out of Scotland’s recent squad due to a lack of game time and the
23- year- old will only have a year left on his Parkhead deal this summer.
Postecoglou has challenged the mid f ielder to grasp any chance he gets – and determine his own future at the club. He sa id: “David has to do the s ame as everyone else, train hard and take his chance when it comes.
“He played in our last game against Hibs and did quite well. We’ve now injuries in the midf ield area so he’ ll definitely get game time again. “It’s up to Dave but I don’t feel the need to speak to him. I don’t speak to any of them unless they have issues.
“They all know what’s in front of them.
“They have to take their chance and the lads have been really good on that front. “The players have their futures in their own hands.”
BIG FINISH