Celtic are expected to finalise the signing of Japanese defender Hayato Inamura this week, but the 23-year-old may not be seen in green and white any time soon.

According to journalist Roger Hannah, the club’s plan may involve immediately loaning Inamura back out following his transfer from Albirex Niigata.

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Hannah explained the rationale behind such a move, suggesting the jump to Scottish Premiership level could be too steep at this stage of the player’s development.

“I don’t think Inamura will see the first team next season,” said Hannah. “I think the plan might be to either loan him straight back to his club in Japan or loan him to a European league.

“It would be a huge leap for the lad to go from the level he has been playing at and straight into the Celtic first team. I think it’s too big a leap.”

The central defender has spent the past two seasons with Niigata and was part of their J1 League campaign before departing over the weekend.

While he’s impressed domestically, the transition to a club of Celtic’s stature, especially with Champions League qualifiers on the horizon, may require a more gradual approach.

Loaning Inamura to a European league could help bridge that gap, providing the physical and tactical step-up needed to handle football in Glasgow. Alternatively, staying in Japan ensures regular minutes and a familiar environment.

Regardless of the route taken, Celtic appear to be thinking long-term with this deal. If developed properly, Inamura could become part of the first-team conversation in the future. For now, though, patience and the right loan move seem key.