Why Celtic should sign Maya Yoshida next summer
Celtic have stabilised themselves this season after a wobbly start that saw them lose in the Champions League qualifiers and make a slow start in the league. Brendan Rodgers’ men are now back to where they belong in the Scottish Premiership – at the top, and look better overall.
The good thing which we have witnessed in the past month or so is the defensive stability. Dedryck Boyata, who started the season in a conflicting manner following a transfer saga, is now playing well and leading the back-line.
However, there have been talks (h/t Daily Record), from one of the Celtic legends Chris Sutton that the Belgian will leave the club once his contract expires at the end of this season.
Filip Benkovic is at the Parkhead on a loan deal from Leicester City, hence, his stay will come to an end at the completion of this season. That will leave Rodgers with very limited options in central defence.
Hence, it is fairly evident that the Hoops would be in the market, either in January, or next summer, to buy quality centre-backs. Here’s why they should sign Maya Yoshida from Premier League club Southampton:
Yoshida’s experience would be key to Celtic
Maya Yoshida is an experienced Japanese international who arrived at Southampton during the summer of 2012. Since, then, he has played over 100 Premier League matches (129 to be precise) and gained his reputation as one of the better defenders in the English league.
The 30-year-old has represented his nation 88 times and in two World Cups, a number which not many players do not boast of.
Until last season, Yoshida was a key player in the Southampton team but Mark Hughes hasn’t provided him with enough opportunities this season. The Japanese has only featured three times in the league, which is not good given the fact that other defenders are not doing well either.
Hence, it will be no surprise to think that the centre-back would be looking to move elsewhere in search of regular game time.
Celtic should make use of that situation and sign the 30-year-old next summer. His contract runs down at the end of the 2019/20 season, therefore, the Hoops might get him on a slightly cheaper deal.
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Rodgers will get a quality centre-back, who possesses the experience and know-how of top level football.