Celtic have reportedly struck an agreement to sign left-sided centre-back Hayato Inamura, according to Japan’s Sponichi.

The young defender is is expected to play his final match for Albirex Niigata today, facing Machida Zelvia in the J‑League, before flying to Glasgow for a medical next week. An official announcement should follow shortly thereafter.

Inamura’s rapid rise is an intriguing storyline. Unlike many overseas signings, he brings just over a year of professional experience—but, notably, he followed a similar path to Hatate.

He graduated via the university system in Japan before making the J‑League step up, a route that served Reo Hatate well ahead of his Celtic success.

This marks Celtic’s first move back into the Japanese market since Ange Postecoglou’s departure. Under Brendan Rodgers, the club hadn’t ventured into Japan for talent—until now. With Inamura potentially signing , the Bhoys signal both Rodgers’ openness to fresh markets.

Timing is key. The Celtic squad returned to training late last week and will test their sharpness in a pre-season opener at Queens Park this Friday. Inamura’s arrival could coincidentally line up with that match—but even if he does come in early this week, we wouldn’t expect him to see him straight away.

At just over a year into pro football, he’s untested at top-flight European level, but that low-risk, high-upside profile aligns with Celtic’s recent recruitment philosophy.

It will be interesting into see where he fits in the current squad in the pecking order.