Celtic are reportedly planning a move to sign a Japanese international player.

Celtic Show Interest in Blackburn Star

Celtic are reportedly considering a move for Blackburn Rovers attacker Ryoya Morishita after making a late approach for the Japan international during the summer transfer window.

According to Alan Nixon, the Scottish champions made contact regarding the 29-year-old before the window closed. The initial approach came during a period when Celtic and Blackburn were already in discussions over another Japanese player, Reo Hatate.

Hatate was ultimately unable to complete a move to Celtic and instead joined Burnley, but the conversations between the clubs appear to have opened the door for Celtic to explore the possibility of signing Morishita.

The Hoops could now revisit their interest when the January transfer window approaches.

3FETXC1 Deepdale, Preston, UK. 5th Sep, 2026. English Championship Football, Preston North End versus Blackburn Rovers; Ryoya Morishita of Blackburn Rovers chases after the ball Credit: Action Plus Sports/Alamy Live News

Versatile Attacking Option

Morishita would provide Celtic with another flexible attacking player capable of operating in several positions.

Although his main role is as an attacking midfielder, the Japan international can also play on either wing.

That versatility could make him an attractive option for Celtic, particularly if Martin O’Neill wants to increase the number of players capable of contributing in the final third.

Having someone who can move between central and wide positions would give the Celtic manager greater tactical flexibility and another option when attempting to break down opponents.

Morishita’s ability to contribute both goals and assists also makes him an interesting target.

Strong Start to the Campaign

The Blackburn attacker has made a positive start to the current season.

Across league and cup competitions, Morishita has already recorded one goal and two assists, showing that he has continued the productive form he demonstrated during the previous campaign.

His performances have helped establish him as an important member of Blackburn’s squad.

The numbers from last season were even more impressive.

Morishita finished the previous campaign with five goals and 10 assists, demonstrating his ability to create opportunities for teammates while also contributing himself in front of goal.

Those figures help explain why Celtic have reportedly taken an interest in the player.

Japan International Status

Morishita has also represented Japan at international level, earning three caps for his country.

While he has not yet become a regular fixture for the national team, his international experience adds another layer to his profile.

At Blackburn, meanwhile, he has become an important figure since joining the Championship club.

His combination of experience, versatility and attacking production could make him an appealing addition for Celtic if the club decides to pursue the transfer seriously.

However, securing his services may prove considerably more difficult than simply making an approach.

Blackburn Do Not Want To Sell

One of the biggest obstacles facing Celtic is Blackburn’s reported position on the player.

The Championship club are understood to have no desire to sell Morishita.

That means Celtic would likely need to make a substantial financial proposal if they want Blackburn to reconsider their stance.

With the player regarded as an important part of their team, Blackburn would have little incentive to allow him to leave cheaply.

Celtic would therefore have to decide whether Morishita is worth making a significant investment in, especially considering the club’s recruitment strategy over the summer.

A Change From Celtic’s Recruitment Model

A potential deal for Morishita would represent a noticeable change from the approach Celtic have largely adopted in the current transfer window.

The Hoops have generally focused their recruitment on younger players, particularly those in their late teens and early twenties.

The strategy has been based heavily on identifying players with significant potential for development.

Another important factor has been resale value. Celtic have looked to bring in players who can develop at the club before potentially being sold for a substantial profit later in their careers.

At 29, Morishita does not fit neatly into that model.

He would not necessarily be viewed as a long-term investment in the same way as a teenager or early-twenties prospect.

Instead, his appeal would come from what he could contribute immediately.

O’Neill Could Look Beyond Youth

Celtic’s reported late approach for Morishita could therefore indicate that Martin O’Neill is willing to make exceptions to the club’s usual recruitment policy.

Rather than focusing exclusively on potential and future resale value, O’Neill may be prepared to consider experienced players who can strengthen the team straight away.

Morishita’s age could actually be part of his appeal in that respect.

At 29, he has considerably more experience than many of Celtic’s recent recruits and could potentially adapt quickly to the demands of playing for the club.

His ability to operate in several attacking positions could also make him particularly useful during a long campaign.

January Move Could Be Possible

With the January transfer window gradually getting closer, Celtic could now begin assessing whether a renewed approach for Morishita is realistic.

The summer contact demonstrates that the player is already on the club’s radar.

However, Celtic will need to determine whether Blackburn’s unwillingness to sell can be overcome.

If Blackburn continue to insist that the player is not available, Celtic may have to submit a significant offer to change their position.

The Hoops will also presumably continue monitoring alternative targets, ensuring they are not dependent on one particular player.

Celtic Must Start Their Homework

The reported interest in Morishita suggests Celtic’s recruitment planning for January may already be underway.

With several months still remaining before the transfer window opens, the club has plenty of time to evaluate potential targets, assess their performances and determine where the squad needs strengthening.

Morishita appears to be one player who has already attracted attention.

His strong record of five goals and 10 assists last season, combined with his encouraging opening to the current campaign, makes him a player worth monitoring.

Whether Celtic ultimately decide to make a formal offer remains uncertain.

But the fact that they made contact during the summer indicates there is genuine interest in the Blackburn attacker.

If Martin O’Neill decides that Celtic need an experienced and versatile attacking player capable of making an immediate difference, Morishita could become a serious January target.

For now, however, Blackburn’s reluctance to sell means Celtic may have to prepare for a difficult negotiation if they choose to turn their interest into a concrete bid.