Celtic look set to complete a move for Shin Yamada from Kawasaki Frontale, with midfielder Reo Hatate sharing his thoughts on the expected signing.

Reports suggest the deal could be wrapped up within the next week, adding another J-League player to the squad. Although both have played for Kawasaki and Japan, Hatate admits he doesn’t know Yamada well. Even so, he sees the transfer as a positive step for any player moving to Celtic.

Hatate says any player joining from the J-League is making a big move in their career. While he isn’t familiar with Yamada’s full background, he knows Celtic is a strong club with high standards. From winning trophies at home to testing themselves in Europe, Celtic provide a platform that can help players grow. Yamada now looks set to test himself in that kind of setting.

Hatate is already thinking ahead to how they might link up if Yamada arrives. They haven’t played together before, but Hatate wants to build a good connection on the pitch. Helping the new forward settle, and creating chances for him, will be part of that process. Hatate’s words show he’s ready to work with Yamada and help him adapt quickly.

With the move almost done, Celtic fans can begin to picture how Yamada might slot into the team. His strengths and role will become clearer once he’s in a Hoops shirt, but there’s already talk of a promising partnership with Hatate. As Celtic aim for more silverware and strong European displays, Yamada’s arrival adds another layer of interest.

He said: (RecordSport), “I must admit I don’t know him (Shin). I don’t know about his situation but I do know that any player who comes to Celtic it is a very good move for their reputations.

“It is a great club that competed for titles and in Europe. If he is a player who comes to us then I will hopefully have a good relationship with him on the pitch and I will try to create the chances for him.”

Hatate’s honesty shows he hasn’t worked with Yamada before, but that won’t stop him from helping the new signing settle in.

The two may not have a past connection, but playing for the same club and country could help build understanding quickly. Yamada will be welcomed in the right way, both on and off the pitch.

The Hoops have had good success with players from Japan in recent years. Hatate is one example of that, and the fans will hope Yamada can follow a similar path. Coming from the J-League, he’ll face a new style of football in Scotland, but Celtic have helped others make that jump before. It’s a challenge, but also a big chance for him to grow.

Yamada could bring something different to the squad. He’s known for his movement and pressing, and if he finds form early, he could become a key player in attack. Hatate is already thinking about how he can support him, which shows the Celtic coaching staff are planning for a quick impact.

If the move goes through, it adds to Celtic’s link with Japanese football. The club have looked to that market often, and it could be another smart bit of business. Hatate knows what it takes to succeed at Celtic, and if Yamada settles fast, he’ll have a good chance of doing the same.