Celtic weigh Yukinari Sugawara move as Alistair Johnston faces layoff

Celtic are considering a summer move for Southampton right-back Yukinari Sugawara, with Alistair Johnston expected to miss around three months because of a fresh injury concern. PSV, who won the Eredivisie, are also interested in the Japan international.

Johnston missed much of last season with a hamstring problem, and his latest absence leaves Celtic short of options on the right. Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston remain available to manager Martin O’Neill, but the lack of experience in that position could become a concern in European competition.

Sugawara would offer Celtic experience from several seasons in top-flight European football. The 26-year-old began his development with AS Laranja Toyokawa before joining Nagoya Grampus, where he reached the first team in the J1 League.

AZ brought him to the Netherlands on loan in 2019. His performances as cover for Jonas Svensson led to a permanent five-year contract, and he subsequently became a regular for the Alkmaar club. Southampton then signed him for €7 million before the 2024-25 season, when he made 30 appearances as the Saints finished bottom of the Premier League.

He is currently spending the 2025-26 Bundesliga season on loan at Werder Bremen. Bremen are not expected to use their purchase option, while Sugawara still has several years remaining on his Southampton contract. That leaves the English club in a position to decide whether another loan or a permanent move will be allowed before the summer window closes.

Celtic pursued a temporary solution last year by bringing in Julian Araujo from Bournemouth, but the Mexican is not expected to return after undergoing surgery on a left-thigh injury suffered against St. Pauli in pre-season. Sugawara could provide a more established alternative, particularly in a system that places emphasis on wide play.

The Japanese full-back is known for his energy, crossing and attacking output. Those qualities suit O’Neill’s 4-2-3-1 structure and could give Celtic greater creativity on the right while Johnston is unavailable. Donovan has been preferred to Ralston, but Sugawara’s European background would add competition and depth.