Celtic interested in Japanese left-back Keita Kosugi

Celtic are reportedly eyeing a potential move for Djurgardens left-back Keita Kosugi…

Elfsborgs Frederik Ihler and Djurgardens Keita Kosugi during the football match in Allsvenskan between Elfsborg and Djurgarden on May 19, 2025 in Boras Photo JÖRGEN JARNBERGER

Keita Kosugi was a stand-out in the UEFA Conference League this season

According to Sponichi Soccer, the Scottish Champions are among several clubs showing interest in the Japanese left-back, who joined the Swedish side a year ago. The 19-year-old caught attention with his performances in both Djurgardens’ Allsvenskan season and their impressive run in the Conference League.

Djurgarden’s Keita Kosugi during the Allsvenskan soccer match between Djurgarden and Mjällby AIF at 3Arena STOCKHOLM SWEDEN Photo Magnus Lejhall

Initially brought in as a backup to Samuel Dahl last year, Kosugi saw limited minutes, but following Dahl’s move to Roma, he stepped up as a regular starter and continued to grow as the season went on.

Celtic may face stiff competition for his signature

Kosugi developed in the youth ranks at Shonan Bellmare but had not broken into the senior squad prior to his move to Sweden in 2024. He has represented Japan at the U-17, U-19, and U-20 levels.

Celtic may face stiff competition for his signature, with PSG and Atalanta also reportedly showing interest in the talented young defender.

Djurgarden’s Keita Kosugi and Mjällby AIFs Ludvig Tidstrand during Thursdays Allsvenskan soccer match between Djurgarden and Mjällby AIF at 3Arena STOCKHOLM SWEDEN. Photo Magnusx Lejhall

Djurgardens surprised many by making it to the Conference League semi-finals as underdogs, but their run ended there with a 4-1 defeat in the first leg and a 1-0 loss in the second against tonight’s finalists Chelsea.

Unable to cope with Chelsea’s Noni Madueke

Post-match, the full-back confessed that he struggled to cope with the threat posed by Noni Madueke. Speaking via FotbollSkanalen, he said: “I couldn’t do anything to Madueke. He was so good. I tried to stop him but he created a lot anyway.

“He’s one of the best wingers in the Premier League, so it’s difficult to face him. But if I want to get there [to that level]I have to develop a lot.”

Greg Taylor. Motherwell v Celtic, 2nd February 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou

No new updates on Taylor or Schlupp

Celtic may be in the market for another new left-back, as Greg Taylor appears poised to leave on a free transfer, having yet to agree to a contract extension.

While Kieran Tierney is set to join on a free transfer, the loan departure of Jeffrey Schlupp leaves KT as the sole left-back at the club for next season currently.

Jeffrey Schlupp of Celtic FC controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between FC Bayern München and Celtic FC at on February 18, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Discussions have taken place regarding a permanent move for Schlupp, whose contract with FA Cup winners Crystal Palace has expired.

Conor Spence