Celtic consider move for Alistair Johnston injury replacement but Serie A club threaten transfer hijack
The right-back's attacking qualities are one of the main reasons he has attracted attention from Celtic
Celtic have reportedly shown concrete interest in Southampton right-back Yukinari Sugawara - but the Hoops could miss out on his signature amid rival competition from a Serie A club.
The Japanese international emerged as a potential target for the Scottish champions over the weekend, with reports in Germany claiming Celtic had registered an interest in the 26-year-old. However, the latest developments suggest Italian side Cagliari are closing in on a season-long loan deal for the defender.
Celtic's interest in Sugawara was understandable given their current situation at right-back. First-choice starter Alistair Johnston has been ruled out for an extended period after suffering a hamstring injury, leaving boss Martin O’Neill with fewer experienced options in the position.
Anthony Ralston and teenage defender Colby Donovan remain available, but the prospect of adding a proven international would offer Celtic greater depth.
Sugawara would bring considerable experience to Parkhead. He spent five seasons with AZ Alkmaar after initially joining the Dutch club from Nagoya Grampus, making more than 190 appearances for the Eredivisie side. His performances earned him a move to St Mary’s in 2024 for a reported fee of around €7 million.
His first season in England saw him establish himself as a regular, making around 30 Premier League appearances despite Southampton's relegation. Sugawara subsequently moved to Werder Bremen on loan during the 2025/26 season, where he made 31 Bundesliga appearances and contributed six assists. His form helped him retain his place in the Japan national team set-up and led to his involvement at this summer’s World Cup.
The right-back's attacking qualities are one of the main reasons he has attracted attention from the Parkhead club. Sugawara is comfortable pushing forward, delivering crosses and creating opportunities from wide areas, while his experience in the Netherlands, England and Germany means he would have arrived with considerable European pedigree.
German journalist Christopher Michel reported that both Celtic and PSV Eindhoven had shown “concrete interest”. Southampton were reportedly looking for around €7m for a permanent transfer, while a loan arrangement was also considered an option.
Celtic's interest subsequently appeared to become more serious. Reports indicated that the club viewed a loan signing as an ideal solution to the right-back dilemma created by Johnston's injury. Sugawara could become available after falling down the pecking order at Southampton following his return from Germany.
The timing is significant for Celtic. With the transfer deadline fast approaching, O’Neill needs to balance the need for immediate reinforcements with the longer-term development of players such as Donovan. Sugawara's experience could provide a1dded competition while allowing Donovan to develop without being placed under excessive pressure.
However, there is a strong possibility that Celtic could miss out on the Japanese defender's signature. Cagliari are understood to be close to securing Sugawara on an initial season-long loan, with an obligation to buy included in the agreement. If completed, that would effectively bring his time at Southampton to an end.
Sugawara therefore represents an intriguing case of a transfer target Celtic identified but may ultimately fail to land. The club's interest underlines the urgency of finding another right-back, but with the window closing, O’Neill will have to move quickly if he wants to add further defensive cover.
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