Hayato Inamura’s time at Celtic appears to be heading for an early pause, with the club officially making the Japanese left-back available for loan just a month after his arrival.

RecordSport reports that the 25-year-old, who signed from J1 League side Albirex Niigata, has been listed on TransferRoom – an online platform clubs use to advertise player availability – with Celtic seeking a temporary move that would see his £6,000-a-week wages fully covered. [Salary Leaks]

Inamura made his competitive debut last week in the 3-0 win over Livingston, playing the full 90 minutes. However, manager Brendan Rodgers had already made clear his reservations about the defender’s readiness to compete at Celtic’s level, especially from a defensive standpoint.

“It’s very easy. He’s not quite at the level, as of yet, that I would expect,” Rodgers said previously. “We also need a player who can defend. And we’re hoping that over the couple of years, with experience and with maybe a loan, that can take place. But at this very, very moment, that’s why he’s not in the squad.”

Rodgers referenced games against lower-level opposition like Cork City and Queen’s Park as examples of where Inamura looked comfortable, but made it clear the demands of top-tier European football – using Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal as a benchmark – are a different standard entirely.

While a loan move was always a possibility when Inamura joined, the club’s active push to secure one so soon suggests Celtic feel first-team opportunities will be limited this season, especially with the imminent arrival of left-back Marcelo Saracchi.

Where Inamura ends up remains to be seen, but Celtic’s preference is clearly for him to gain experience elsewhere before reassessing his place at Parkhead.