Celtic are reportedly eyeing another return to the Japanese market as their recruitment drive continues this summer. [RecordSport]
The Hoops have already dipped into the J-League in recent weeks and could yet make further additions from the same source, while also keeping tabs on players based across Europe.
Yamada has penned a four-year deal at Parkhead and becomes the latest in a growing line of Japanese players to pull on the Hoops.
Hayato Inamura completed his move to Celtic before Shin Yamada put pen to paper on his own deal. The defender became the first Japanese addition of the summer, with his transfer from Albirex Niigata confirmed ahead of Yamada’s switch from Kawasaki Frontale.
The likes of Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi all made a major impact in Glasgow since arriving from the J-League. Their success has clearly strengthened the club’s confidence in recruiting from that part of the world, with scouting and data networks firmly in place to identify talent ready to make the step up.
While Japan remains a priority, it’s understood Celtic scouts have also been active across Europe, watching potential targets live as Brendan Rodgers looks to shape a squad capable of handling the demands of both domestic competition and European football.
Despite continuing to monitor familiar markets like Japan and exploring options across Europe, Celtic’s overall activity in the transfer window has been limited. The blend of old scouting routes with newer targets suggests an attempt to broaden the club’s reach, but so far it hasn’t translated into the level of squad strengthening many expected as Rodgers looks to prepare for a demanding season.
