The inside story on how Birmingham City left Celtic scratching their heads over Tomoki Iwata

The inside story on how Birmingham City left Celtic scratching their heads over Tomoki Iwata.

Birmingham City signed Tomoki Iwata from Celtic at the end of the summer transfer window

On the face of it, the prospect of Birmingham City venturing north of the border when they were reshaping their squad in the summer

transfer window was hardly surprising. Consider that Tomoki Iwata was brought to the UK – and to Celtic – by Ange Postecoglou and

spent the majority of his time at Parkhead performing under successor Brendan Rodgers.

Furthermore take into account the fact that Blues captain Chris Davies held positions under both Postecoglou and Rodgers, the latter

of whom managed the Bhoys during his first illustrious tenure before setting out on his own managerial quest. According to Ryan

McDonald, a reporter for Football.Scotland, “their close relationship was probably a factor, as the move largely came out of the blue.”

Much of Blues’ activity at the end of the transfer window was focused on trying to get Jay Stansfield back before the deadline, so many

fans could have been forgiven for missing the news that Iwata had joined the team. Prior to Stansfield’s return, the team had made

moves for Ayumi Yokoyama, Scott Wright, and Lyndon Dykes, in addition to Iwata.

Since then, Iwata has proven his worth by establishing himself in the starting lineup. You almost feel bad for Marc Leonard, who in the

early part of the season gave the impression that he was quickly forming a partnership with Paik Seung-ho. Even now, it’s comforting

to know that he is still the next cab off the rank, but for the time being, the position is definitely Iwata’s.

McDonald tells us, “If I could describe Tomoki in one word, it would be solid,” in reference to the player’s very brief stint in Glasgow.

“He was a consistent performer who never failed the club. Although Postecoglou mostly used him as a holding midfielder, he occasionally played centre back to capitalise on his versatility.”

It is useful to know that Iwata can operate even deeper if required. Thankfully, Blues are stacked at centre half and ironically kept their

first clean sheet of the season this past weekend without two options available to Davies. For the time being, you don’t foresee that

being an issue, nor there being a scenario on the horizon where Iwata is asked to utilise that particular string on his bow.

“His monstrous physique was perfect for the Scottish game and he did a job whenever called upon,” McDonald adds. Yep, that

certainly helps with the rough and tumble of League One, which is certainly seeing more of a sea-change towards ball playing teams

compared to even five or 10 years ago, yet still challenges a player’s physical attributes. Iwata is also used to playing in a side that

dominates the ball against every opponent in their league.

While Celtic last season boasted the likes of Reo Hatate, Paulo Bernardo, Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley – who has since moved

onto Brighton this past summer – Iwata often settled for substitute appearances. His campaign last year was disrupted by injuries too,

but he still featured 24 times, started at Ibrox in the 3-3 Glasgow Derby draw and featured in Madrid in the Champions League defeat to Atletico.

“He never really established himself as a regular at any stage of his Celtic career,” McDonald explains. “After working with him at

Yokohama F. Marinos, Postecoglou brought him to Glasgow in January 2023, and six months later Rodgers became the helm.

“He stepped in at different times throughout the previous season and was a reliable presence in the heart of the park while Callum

McGregor was sidelined. Iwata’s benching upon his injury return demonstrated precisely where he stood in the midfield hierarchy.

Personally, I didn’t find it surprising that he left because I didn’t think he fit Rodgers’ playwriting approach.

“While he was good at recycling the ball, he was guilty of playing the safe option all too often. Judging by the social media reaction

though, Celtic fans were left scratching their heads as to why such a useful squad player was allowed to leave the building on deadline day.”

While neutrals in general may have reacted similarly to how Blues had ended up drawing Iwata from a side participating in the

Champions League and down into League One, Celtic supporters scratched their brains. He is by no means the only recruit who gave

up some form of European football in order to accompany Blues on their journey. Alfons Sampsted would have represented Twente in

the Europa League on Thursday night at Old Trafford in an other universe.

It summarises, in short, Knighthead’s affluence and appeal. It also reveals their ambitious objectives and desire to bring Blues back to

the top division and continue to advance both on and off the pitch. It also communicates their intentions for Blues in the long run and

provides insight into how they’re pitching Blues to potential new signings.

“It wasn’t that long ago that Iwata was named J1 League Player of the Year and when you consider that Reo Hatate and Kyogo struggle

to get a game for the Japan national side, that’s no easy feat,” McDonald says.

“Iwata should undoubtedly be playing at a higher level in England, but it appears that he has accepted Birmingham City’s project and

looked at the wider picture. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s making more money at this large club with aspirational investors than he did at Celtic.”

If Iwata keeps going in the same direction as he started, no one associated with Blues would begrudge him that.

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