Midfielder publicly admits why he decided to leave Celtic.

Celtic now field a sizable team. It is anticipated that a significant number of players would leave in January, either permanently or temporarily. In fact, a few have already done so and are prospering outside of Parkhead. Yosuke Ideguchi is one name that fits within that description.

Early in 2022, the team signed Ideguchi, Reo Hatate, and Daizen Maeda. He had trouble breaking into the squad, but those two went on to become important Hoops starters.

Ultimately, Ideguchi would leave Celtic on loan in order to return to Japan. He is currently at Avispa Fukuoka and has successfully established himself as a starter for the J-League club.

Ideguchi was not getting minutes at Parkhead and it was only natural for him to head out. But it looks like a desire to play in the next World Cup for Japan played a part in his decision as well.

Midfielder publicly admits why he decided to leave Celtic

As reported by Hochi, Ideguchi said:

““The main reason I came back to Japan this year was that after watching the Qatar World Cup (2022), I seriously thought for the first time that I wanted to play in the World Cup four years from now.””

He further went on to add:

““I thought (Japan) was playing really good soccer, and it was frustrating to see the younger players taking the lead and playing with such vigor. (G Osaka junior, Doan) Ritsu is like that, and so is Mitoma-kun. I was like, what am I doing here? It was surprising even to me to think that way (after being away from the national team for so long).””

He further went on to add:

““I thought (Japan) was playing really good soccer, and it was frustrating to see the younger players taking the lead and playing with such vigor. (G Osaka junior, Doan) Ritsu is like that, and so is Mitoma-kun. I was like, what am I doing here? It was surprising even to me to think that way (after being away from the national team for so long).””

The move to Avispa Fukuoka has proven to be the right one for Ideguchi. He is playing some regular football now and is earning a lot of plaudits for what he has brought to the table for the J-League side this season.

His loan deal there ends soon though. And it remains to be seen if he will be joining them on a permanent basis after that or not.

To be honest, perhaps that would be the best step for everyone involved. Ideguchi had tried his luck in Europe with Leeds United in the past as well and it did not work out back then either. Maybe J-League is the right fit for him and he should try to continue playing there moving forward.