Tomoki Iwata, born on 7 April 1997 in Japan, is a 28-year-old central defensive midfielder who chiefly plies his trade for Birmingham City. Iwata stands at 5ft 10in (1.78m) and tips the scales at 12st 1lb (77kg). Impressing with his midfield dominance, Iwata wears the number 24 jersey at Birmingham City.
Iwata's current market value is pegged at around a solid £1m, according to Transfermarkt. His contract at Birmingham City is set to expire on 30 June 2027, with 2years 3months remaining.
Iwata commenced his career at Oita Trinita in the J2 League in Japan, sealing the deal in January 2015. His debut season in 2017 saw him earn a respectful nine first team league appearances. In the subsequent 2019 season, he turned heads, clocking up 27 appearances and scoring four goals in league matches. By the 2020 season, Iwata was a central figure, managing 30 team appearances and netting two goals in league matches.
A significant shift in Iwata's career trajectory transpired in January 2021 when he transferred to Yokohama F. Marinos in the J1 League from Oita Trinita for an undisclosed fee. Proving his mettle in the 2021 season, he registered 34 first team appearances in league matches. The following 2022 season was equally successful for Iwata, with 32 first team appearances and two goals under his belt.
In January 2023, Iwata crossed seas to Celtic in Scotland, transitioning on loan from Yokohama F. Marinos in the J1 League. In his 2022 – 2023 season with Celtic, Iwata clocked up 13 first team appearances in league matches. The 2023 – 2024 season witnessed an improvement, with Iwata making 19 first team appearances and striking gold once in league matches.
Impressed by his performance, Celtic secured a permanent transfer arrangement for Iwata from Yokohama F. Marinos in July 2023 for an undisclosed fee, converting his loan into a full-time commitment. With the green and white hoops, Iwata played consistently well, holding fort as a steadfast central midfielder.
However, a move to England was around the corner. He transferred from Celtic to Birmingham City in League One for an approximate fee of around £830k in August 2024. Currently in his 2024 - 2025 season with Birmingham City, Iwata has chalked up an impressive 34 first team appearances and five goals, demonstrating as an asset for his club.
Additionally, his performances have not been confined to league matches. In the FA Cup 2024 - 2025 for Birmingham City, Iwata showed his prowess by scoring a goal in one start. He equally shone in the EFL Trophy 2024 - 2025 for Birmingham City, with one goal in four starts and one appearance as a substitute, substantiating his versatility and match-winning capabilities.
