Shin Yamada was named among the substitutes for Japan earlier today but did not feature in their 1-0 win over South Korea.

The forward remained on the bench for the E-1 Championship fixture, as Japan edged out their rivals with a narrow victory to win the tournament.

The 25-year-old’s name has been heavily linked with a move to Celtic in recent days. Reports suggest Yamada is expected to sign for the Scottish champions over the next week in a deal believed to be worth around £1.5 million.

Yamada currently plays for Kawasaki Frontale in the J-League and has drawn attention for his work rate and eye for goal. After a breakout year in 2024 where he netted 19 league goals, interest in the striker has grown steadily.

Although his goal return has dipped this season, his all-round game and movement have kept him on the radar of clubs overseas.

Celtic’s recruitment team have continued to keep a close eye on the Japanese market, and Yamada would follow in the footsteps of recent success stories like Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda, who both made brilliant transitions to Scottish football.

With Brendan Rodgers keen to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the new campaign, Yamada’s potential arrival offers another dimension to the forward line.

While no official confirmation has come from the club, the expectation is that Yamada will travel to Glasgow once his international duties with Japan are complete. He could undergo a medical and finalise terms within the next few days, provided everything progresses smoothly.

Should the deal go through, he would become the latest addition to Rodgers’ squad during a summer that has already seen movement both in and out of Celtic Park.

Yamada’s arrival would add further depth as Celtic prepare to defend their Premiership title and make their return to the Champions League qualifiers.