Yosuke Ideguchi reflects on what went wrong at Leeds United as Japanese midfielder describes style of play upon Celtic switch

Leeds signed Ideguchi from Gamba Osaka as a 21-year-old back in January 2018 but the midfielder immediately headed for a loan spell with Spanish second division side Cultural Leonesa.

Ideuchi then returned to Elland Road the following summer and featured in some of United's pre-season friendlies under new boss Marcelo Bielsa but the midfielder then joined Bundesliga side Greuther Fürth on a season-long loan deal.

The midfielder's 2018-19 campaign was disrupted as he suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury which saw him temporarily return to Japan but after linking back up with Greuther Fürth, Ideguchi then re-signed for Gamba Osaka on a permanent deal in the summer of 2019.

After featuring heavily back in the J1 League, Ideguchi has now sealed a second move to the UK, joining Celtic as one of three Japanese signings along with Daizen Maeda and Rio Hatate.

Ideguchi became United's first ever Japanese player upon signing for the Whites back in January 2018, joining the Whites on a four-and-a-half-year deal for a fee believed to be in the region of £500,000.

Following his loan spells away from the club, the midfielder left Leeds without making a single competitive appearance.

"First time I went abroad as a football player I didn't get the result I wanted," said Ideguchi, as quoted by Sky Sports.

"I always wanted to try again, so Celtic have given me a second chance which is why I 100 per cent wanted to join.

"In terms of Leeds I was only there for the training camp and then I went on loan to clubs in Spain and Germany.

"Probably the reason I wasn't a success was because I felt I couldn't give my all, I couldn't put all my energy into it."

Reflecting on what he hopes to offer Celtic, Ideguchi said: "Of course, I see this as a chance to prove myself, but that all depends on good communication with team-mates and staff.

"My style is pretty much hard-working, getting the ball and leading to attacking. I would love for everyone to watch my style."

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/yorkshire-evening-post-launch-leeds-united-only-digital-subscription-ahead-premier-league-campaign-2967964

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Thank you Laura Collins