Celtic are reportedly once again preparing to test the Japanese market as they look to strengthen their defence ahead of the new season. The Hoops are reportedly lining up a move for Hayato Inamura, who currently plays for Albirex Niigata in the J-League. [The Herald]
The 23-year-old is a left-sided defender who offers versatility, capable of playing both at centre-back and left-back. His flexibility is seen as a valuable asset as Brendan Rodgers aims to address two key gaps in his current defensive options.
With Liam Scales and Auston Trusty the only natural left-sided centre-backs who featured regularly last season, and uncertainty surrounding Greg Taylor’s future, Inamura could provide cover in both positions.
Inamura’s current side, Albirex Niigata, are battling relegation in Japan, which could help Celtic’s chances of securing a deal this summer. The Japanese defender has impressed domestically with his positional awareness and technical ability, attributes that would fit Rodgers’ possession-based system.
At 23, Inamura also fits Celtic’s profile of signing players who still have room to develop but are capable of stepping into first-team football.
If the deal goes through, Inamura would become the latest addition from Japan since Celtic successfully tapped into the J-League under previous manager Ange Postecoglou. Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, Tomoki Iwata and Yuki Kobayashi have all made the switch to Glasgow in recent years, with varying degrees of success.
The potential arrival of Inamura signals that Celtic’s recruitment department remains active in the Japanese market, which has proven to be a productive hunting ground.
With Rodgers keen to bolster his squad early in the window, the signing of Inamura could provide much-needed depth as Celtic prepare for a season that will include domestic challenges and a return to Champions League qualifiers in August
Celtic are expected to press ahead with talks as the summer window gathers momentum, and Inamura’s name now joins the growing list of potential arrivals as Rodgers reshapes his squad.
