BRENDAN RODGERS has backed Celtic’s decision to bank £17million for winger Nicolas Kuhn sooner rather than later.
Kuhn, 25, is on the verge of sealing a move to Serie A outfit Como.
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And Rodgers insists it’s smart business to agree to the deal in early July rather than wait until nearer the end of the transfer window.
He said: “We’ve virtually agreed between the club and Como so it looks at this point that he’ll be on his way, but we just have to wait for confirmation.
“I think it’s very clear, the model of Celtic.
“He’s come in and in the 18 months he’s done absolutely fantastic for us.
“He was aware of interest towards the end of last season and that sort of followed through.
“Other teams have joined in that interest over the summer and that’s why a lot of the young players come.
“It’s a wonderful, brilliant club to come to develop, and improve.
“And you can see within a short period of time, 18 months, he’s now getting the move that he wants.
“Of course, we want to succeed but a lot of these players they come in with the notion that they can develop and improve.
“They’re at a brilliant club but they get the opportunity to go on and earn three or four times more in salary and that’s something that will always be a challenge for the likes of ourselves.
“But he’s done brilliant for us in the 18 months and if he does end up going and signing up a Como then it’s great business all round.
“I think it really helps us. The earlier, the better, really.
“Because if a player wants to go then I don’t see the point in them hanging about.
“Really, if you can get the deal done and you get the valuation, what you think is right, then do it, move on and look to get the replacements in.”
Meanwhile, new Celts signing Hayato Inamura aims to follow in the footsteps of Hoops legend Shunsuke Nakamura.
The Japanese centre-back last night agreed a four-year deal from J-League outfit Albirex Niigata.
And Inamura, 23, has snapped up ex-hero Naka’s no25 jersey.
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He said: “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.”
Celts moved for Inamura after agreeing to let £4million misfit stopper Maik Nawrocki join Hannover 96 on loan, with an option to make the move permanent.
Inamura added: “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.
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“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.”
Celts boss Brendan Rodgers insists the capture of Inamura represents more good business by the club.
He added: “We’re delighted to bring Hayato to Celtic and we’re looking forward to working with him.
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“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.”
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