Ange Postecoglou is back in football.
The former Celtic manager has officially been appointed head coach of Al-Nassr on a two-year contract, where he’ll be working with none other than Cristiano Ronaldo in one of the biggest jobs in world football.
It’s another huge chapter in Ange’s remarkable managerial career and one that Celtic supporters will watch with interest.
But, naturally, one question immediately springs to mind.
Will Ange come back for his Japanese boys?
During his time at Celtic, Postecoglou transformed the club by bringing in players he knew inside out from the J.League. Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate became key figures in his side, with both still playing crucial roles at Celtic Park today.
With the financial power of Saudi football behind him, Ange now has the resources to target almost anyone he wants. If he believes Hatate or Maeda could improve Al-Nassr, Celtic may eventually have some big decisions to make.
Of course, there’s nothing to suggest any move is imminent, but football has a funny way of bringing old relationships back together.
And while we’re joking…
We’ll happily take Ronaldo in exchange.
Imagine the scenes if Cristiano Ronaldo turned up at Celtic Park while Hatate and Maeda headed in the opposite direction! It’s fantasy football, but stranger things have happened in the transfer market.
For now, Celtic supporters will simply wish Ange well. He gave the club unforgettable memories, restored belief, delivered trophies and left with his reputation enhanced.
The bigger question is whether his new adventure in Saudi Arabia will eventually lead him back to players who helped define his Celtic revolution.
If Al-Nassr came calling with a huge bid, would you cash in on Hatate or Maeda—or are they simply too important to lose?
I have long accepted that Maeda would leave in this window, so getting the highest bid is just about all left to achieve. He’ll go down as a great servant to the club.
Hatate though, I’ve long since wanted to see the back of… he’s a myth of a player. He thinks he’s 10 times better than he actually is. Be glad to see him leaving, his bad attitude won’t be missed.