CELTIC have completed the signing of Japanese defender Hayato Inamura.
The 23-year-old joins from J-League club Albirex Niigata, signing off from the club in a 4-0 defeat to Machida Zelvia last Sunday.
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He’s the latest addition at the Hoops this summer following goalkeeper Ross Doohan, full-back Kieran Tierney, attacker Benjamin Nygren and striker Callum Osmand to Celtic Park.
His compatriot and Kawasaki Frontale striker Shin Yamada may not be far behind him as SunSport exclusively revealed he was on Brendan Rodgers’ radar.
The attacker scored 19 goals in the 2024 season.
Inamura played for high school side Maebashi Ikuei until he was 18, before going through the university system in Japan with Tokyo for four years.
He then signed for relegation battlers Albirex and made 36 appearances, before making the switch to Glasgow after undergoing a successful medical earlier this week.
Inamura joins a growing list of Japanese players who have represented the Hoops.
Shunsuke Nakamura became a Hoops hero after moving from Reggina in 2005.
He produced memorable displays, including that wonderful free kick against Man United in Europe.
The likes of Kyogo, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate have since followed in his footsteps making themselves firm favourites at Parkhead.
Kyogo now looks as though he could be heading to Birmingham City after a nightmare season in Ligue 1 with French side Rennes.
And recent signings Yuki Kobayashi and Tomoki Iwata were less of a success at Celtic.
Celtic already have a number of defenders already on the books with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, Stephen Welsh all competing for places.
Gustaf Lagerbielke who was on loan at Twente last season, has been linked with Braga, while Maik Nawrocki also faces an uncertain future.
The Parkhead club said in a statement announcing Inamura’s arrival: “Celtic are delighted to announce the signing of Hayato Inamura, who has joined the club on a four-year deal from Japanese side, Albirex Niigata, subject to international clearance.
“The 23-year-old defender becomes the latest player to arrive at Celtic during this transfer window, and he will also link up with fellow countrymen, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate.”
Boss Rodgers added: “We’re delighted to bring Hayato to Celtic and we’re looking forward to working with him.
“He’s a young player full of promise and potential. I know that he’s delighted to be taking this next step in his career by joining us, and we look forward to welcoming him into the squad.”
The player himself said: “Many Japanese players have had success at this club. Across the world, this is a massive club and is really well known. I am truly excited to be joining Celtic. It’s a huge opportunity for me.
“So far, even the current Japanese players have been performing at a high level. I think that is why there are expectations on Japanese players. I really want to live up to those expectations and do my best.
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“The reason why I chose 25 is because out of the options I was given, that one really stood out to me.
“Then obviously regarding Nakamura, I used to imitate his kicking style when I was a kid. He was one of my favourite players.”
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