Ange Postecoglou hit Celtic like a hurricane in 2021, revitalising multiple areas of the club from the doldrums of the prior failed season.
Not only did he bring a new swashbuckling style of play to the team but he injected urgency into the club’s transfer dealings too, as well as bringing a brilliant inclusive attitude to the Celtic support.
Having made his name in football in less glamorous markets, Postecoglou knew full well the value of untapped leagues as he looked to attract new quality to Scotland.
Signing Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate – amongst others – the Australian found fan-favourite stars on the cheap from Japan.
Currently on tour there with his Spurs side, he’s made it clear it’s something he’d like to replicate in London.
Postecoglou references Celtic work when discussing Spurs transfers
The former Celtic manager said in a press conference earlier [Football London]: “Everyone knows me. I spent close to four years here in Japan. I think the J League is a competition that ranks, with apart from the big five leagues in Europe, I believe it ranks in quality with other leagues.
“Japan has a lot of players who are doing well across the world. We’ve seen Mitoma go to Brighton and the Premier League and I took a number of players to Celtic.”
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Postecoglou reckons South Korea has value too, again referencing the work he did with the Bhoys.
He continued: “I’m well aware of the quality of the K League. When I was at Celtic we were looking to bring over a couple of Korean players. They have made a fantastic impact across Europe, none bigger than our Sonny. He’s an outstanding indivudual. So yes, we’ll be looking far and wide for players.”
Celtic can still find Asian bargains without Ange
Even after Postecoglou waved goodbye to Glasgow, the club has persisted in looking at Asian markets. Although likely scouted when he was still here, Hyunjun Yang and Hyeokkyu Kwon arrived under Brendan Rodgers.
They’ve been less successful than other imports at Celtic but still hold potential. The club will likely continue to look at far-flung leagues to find a gem or two, even if Rodgers is more focused on quality closer to home.
Getting that balance right between developing emerging talent and keeping the starting eleven stocked with players who can push the team on to new heights is a fine line that the club will hopefully walk successfully over the next few years.