Key Points
- Scottish Premiership club Celtic have been linked with a renewed January transfer bid for FC Copenhagen and Japan international defender Junnosuke Suzuki.
- The 23-year-old centre-back, who has earned 12 international caps for Japan, was previously a reported summer transfer target for the Glasgow club.
- Celtic scouts are reportedly impressed by Suzuki’s progressive ball-carrying, passing ability, and impact during the build-up phase.
- However, scouting reports and football analysts have raised concerns regarding his lack of aerial presence, high foul count, and disciplinary record, questioning whether he fits manager Martin O’Neill’s tactical requirements.
- Suzuki is one of three players currently linked with a winter move to Celtic Park, alongside Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis and Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis.
Celtic FC (Glasgow Express) November 14, 2026 – Celtic are reportedly preparing to revive their interest in FC Copenhagen defender Junnosuke Suzuki with a potential bid during the upcoming January transfer window. The Scottish Premiership side, currently managed by Martin O’Neill, are seeking to reinforce their defensive options ahead of the second half of the 2026–27 campaign, though questions have emerged regarding the 23-year-old Japanese international’s suitability for the physical demands of Scottish football.
Why Are Celtic Targeting Junnosuke Suzuki in January?
Celtic’s recruitment team is actively assessing defensive reinforcements to address perceived weaknesses in the current squad’s backline. According to a report published by Celtic Shorts, Suzuki was previously identified as a transfer target during the summer window, and club scouts have continued to monitor his performances in the Danish Superliga.
With the winter transfer window approaching, a renewed bid is reportedly under consideration to bring the 12-times capped Japan international to Glasgow. In a separate report examining Celtic’s winter recruitment plans, Aodhán Ó Conchobhair of Read Celtic noted that Suzuki has been identified alongside midfielder Gvidas Gineitis and winger Fares Ghedjemis as potential additions to Martin O’Neill’s squad. Writing on the club’s defensive needs, Aodhán Ó Conchobhair of Read Celtic stated that
“Suzuki represents a younger defensive option, adding competition and depth, which is essential for strengthening the backline”.
What Are the Concerns Over Junnosuke Suzuki’s Playing Style?
Despite positive scouting assessments regarding his technical abilities on the ball, analysts have highlighted specific tactical reservations about how Suzuki would adapt to Celtic’s system under O’Neill.
As detailed by Celtic Shorts, scouting evaluations indicate that Suzuki is a highly proficient progressive ball-carrier and passer who makes a notable impact during the build-up phase of play. However, the same report outlined significant drawbacks in his defensive profile, specifically pointing to a lack of aerial presence as well as a high frequency of committed fouls and subsequent yellow cards.
The analysis from Celtic Shorts further compared Suzuki’s profile to former Celtic defender Stephen Welsh—who departed Glasgow for Swansea City in the summer following a loan spell at Motherwell—suggesting that similar physical and aerial limitations could prevent Suzuki from thriving in Martin O’Neill’s side.
Who Else Is on Celtic’s January Transfer Shortlist?
Suzuki is not the only player being evaluated by Celtic’s hierarchy as the club looks to address multiple areas of the pitch in January. As reported by Aodhán Ó Conchobhair of Read Celtic, the club is also monitoring Gvidas Gineitis to add physicality to the midfield and Fares Ghedjemis to provide natural width in attack.
Regarding the pursuit of Ghedjemis, Aodhán Ó Conchobhair of Read Celtic reported that
“Frosinone have reportedly tied him down to a new contract, making any potential deal more difficult”,
indicating that Celtic would be required to make a substantial financial commitment to secure the winger’s signature.
Background
Junnosuke Suzuki began his senior career in Japan with J1 League side Shonan Bellmare, making 49 league appearances between 2023 and 2025 before earning a move to European football. In July 2025, FC Copenhagen signed the defender on a long-term contract running until the summer of 2030. Upon completing the transfer, FC Copenhagen sports director Sune Smith-Nielsen stated:
“We look forward to welcoming him and contributing to the next step in his development, where he can lean on our other talented defenders”.
Suzuki added at the time of his unveiling:
“It is a great opportunity for me to join F.C. Copenhagen and develop myself in a very competitive environment”.
During his time in Denmark, Suzuki has featured regularly in both the Danish Superliga and the UEFA Champions League, recording 12 appearances and three assists in the 2026–27 Superliga campaign to date. On the international stage, he has established himself in the Japan national team setup, including making two appearances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, Celtic are navigating the 2026–27 season following the return of veteran manager Martin O’Neill to the dugout, with the club balancing domestic Scottish Premiership commitments alongside European fixtures.
Prediction: How Could This Transfer Affect Celtic Supporters and the Squad?
If Celtic proceed with a formal January bid for Junnosuke Suzuki, the move will directly impact both the tactical composition of Martin O’Neill’s defence and the expectations of Celtic supporters. For the current playing squad, the arrival of a 23-year-old international defender with UEFA Champions League and World Cup experience would introduce immediate competition for starting places and improve ball progression from deep areas.
However, for Celtic supporters and coaching staff, the signing would also carry a distinct tactical trade-off. While Suzuki’s composure in possession could aid Celtic in breaking down defensive blocks in the Scottish Premiership, his documented vulnerability in aerial duels and propensity for conceding fouls could expose the team against direct, physical opponents. Should FC Copenhagen demand a significant fee—given Suzuki remains contracted until 2030—Celtic’s board and supporters will closely scrutinise whether investing in a ball-playing defender outweighs the pressing need for a physically dominant centre-back.
