Celtic Expresses Interest in Yukinari Sugawara as Summer Transfer Window Approaches
Celtic has reportedly shown interest in Yukinari Sugawara, a 26-year-old right-back currently with Southampton, as the summer transfer window approaches. This update follows a report from German outlet Absolut Fussball, and has been further highlighted by The Glasgow Giants. However, the Scottish club faces competition from PSV, the Eredivisie champions, also vying for Sugawara’s signature.
Sugawara initially developed his skills at AS Laranja Toyokawa and Nagoya Grampus before making his debut in the J1 League. In 2019, AZ Alkmaar secured him on loan, where he eventually earned a permanent five-year contract following a notable rise as Jonas Svensson’s understudy. He later transferred to Southampton for €7 million ahead of the 2024-25 season, where he made 30 appearances, but struggled to make an impact as the team finished last in the league.
Following a loan to Werder Bremen for the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, Sugawara’s future at the club remains uncertain as Bremen has chosen not to activate the option-to-buy clause in his loan agreement. With a couple of years remaining on his contract with Southampton, it is unclear if another loan will be approved before the transfer window closes.
As Celtic considers a move for Sugawara, the need has grown particularly acute in light of injury issues with Alistair Johnston. The Canadian defender is expected to miss approximately three months after a hamstring injury, leaving the team vulnerable on the right flank. Although Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston offer alternatives in the first team, Celtic’s pursuit of Sugawara echoes their recent strategy of bringing in experienced players, demonstrated by last year’s loan of Julian Araujo.
Under the guidance of Martin O’Neill, Celtic has shown strong ambition in the transfer window and has seen all summer signings contribute positively to the team. Despite Donovan, 19, currently having the edge over Ralston, his lack of experience could pose challenges as the team competes in Europe.
Sugawara is known for his energetic playing style and offensive contributions. His adept crossing ability and tactical awareness would be beneficial for Celtic’s 4-2-3-1 formation, making him a fitting addition to the team as they continue to strengthen their squad in preparation for the upcoming challenges.
If a recent transfer update from German outlet Absolut Fussball (as cited by The Glasgow Giants) is true, Celtic have registered their interest in Yukinari Sugawara ahead of a potential summer swoop. But they are not alone in the race, with Eredivisie champions PSV also in the mix for the Southampton right-back.
The 26-year-old Japanese international progressed through AS Laranja Toyokawa and Nagoya Grampus’ academy ranks before breaking into the latter’s first-team squad in the J1 League. Dutch outfit AZ snapped him up in the summer of 2019 on an initial season-long loan, and his rise as Jonas Svensson’s understudy earned him a five-year contract in Alkmaar.
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After featuring regularly for AZ, Sugawara completed a €7m transfer to then newly promoted Premier League outfit Southampton ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. Despite making 30 appearances, he failed to leave a mark at St Mary’s, as the Saints finished rock bottom in the league standings.
BREMEN, GERMANY – APRIL 18: Yukinari Sugawara of SV Werder Bremen celebrates with his teammates after Jens Stage of SV Werder Bremen (not pictured) scores his team’s first goal during the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and Hamburger SV at Weserstadion on April 18, 2026 in Bremen, Germany. (Photo by Fabio Deinert/Getty Images)
Werder Bremen loaned him for their 2025-26 Bundesliga season, but are unlikely to bring him back after opting not to trigger the option-to-buy clause. While he still has a couple of years left in his Southampton contract, it remains to be seen whether another loan exit would be sanctioned before the summer window is slammed shut.
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Why Celtic Should Bring Him In Despite Being Well-equipped On The Right
Celtic have emerged as one of his suitors, particularly after Alistair Johnston’s fresh injury concern. The Canadian missed most of the previous campaign with a hamstring problem and is now expected to be sidelined for around three months, decimating the Hoops down the right side yet again.
Although Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston are there as first-team alternatives, they could still pursue a move for Sugawara, as the Bhoys did last year, when they secured a loan deal for Julian Araujo from Bournemouth. The Mexican’s return to Parkhead is ruled out after an operation on his left thigh, having sustained an injury in a pre-season friendly against St. Pauli, and Martin O’Neill, who preferred Araujo over the other names, must be looking for proven experience.
Celtic have shown sheer ambition so far in the transfer window. They are going strong in all competitions, with all summer arrivals making an immediate impact in their respective roles. Donovan, 19, has got the nod over Ralston, but his lack of experience could be a factor in Europe.
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Sugawara, a modern-day fullback known for his high energy and exceptional attacking contributions down the right flank, would inject a creative spark with his exquisite crossing ability and vision. O’Neill relies on wing play in his trademark 4-2-3-1 set-up, and the Samurai Blue World Cup star should be a perfect fit, largely for his high tactical suitability and extensive top-flight European experience.
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