Chris Sutton has expressed doubts over Celtic’s reported move for Japanese striker Shin Yamada, urging caution about viewing the Kawasaki Frontale forward as a ready-made replacement for Kyogo Furuhashi.

Reports indicate Celtic are close to finalising a £1.5 million move for the 25-year-old, who scored 19 goals in the 2023 J1 League season and added six in 33 appearances this term  . Yet Sutton isn’t convinced Yamada has the quality to step directly into Kyogo’s boots.

Writing in his Daily Record column, Sutton acknowledged that Yamada may have potential but warned fans not to rush into comparisons with Celtic’s number eight.

“As for the latest striker target, is Shin Yamada going to be the long-awaited replacement for Kyogo? We’ll have to wait and see about that too,” Sutton wrote. “I would hold fire on making comparisons between Yamada and Kyogo though.”

Yamada, 25, has emerged as a potential signing as Brendan Rodgers looks to reshape his squad ahead of a demanding campaign. The forward scored 19 goals last season in Japan’s top flight.

However, Sutton pointed out that Yamada has only netted twice this season and suggested that expecting him to hit the ground running at Celtic may be unrealistic.

“The new boy from Japan has managed a couple of goals this year which is not exactly red-hot form,” he added. “If he is being lined up to lead the line straight away, it is debatable.”

Sutton’s verdict comes at a time when Celtic are under pressure to recruit effectively, especially with Champions League qualifiers on the horizon. For supporters, the hope is that any new addition will not only provide depth but be capable of making an immediate impact in a high-pressure environment.