KAWASAKI, JAPAN - OCTOBER 13: Hayato Inamura (R) of Albirex Niigata and Danilo Gomes look on during the J.LEAGUE YBC Levain Cup Semi Final second leg between Kawasaki Frontale and Albirex Niigata at Uvance Todoroki Stadium by Fujitsu on October 13, 2024 in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Japan. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images)
Anthony Joseph has confirmed that Hayato Inamura is on his way to Scotland to complete his transfer to Celtic.
News broke in Japan about that deal on Saturday, when the Sky Sports reporter adds to that you can be certain that business is about to be done.
Inamura is described as a left sided central defender, at the age of 23 he has made less than 40 senior appearances and hasn’t been capped by Japan at any level.
Either Celtic’s data fired recruitment team have unearthed a real gem or the club is taking a leap into the unknown.
UPDATE: Celtic are closing in on the signing of Albirex Niigata centre-back Hayato Inamura.
It’s understood the 23yo is due to arrive in the UK this week to undergo a medical and finalise the paperwork on his move.
Inamura played in Niigata’s 4-0 loss to Machida Zelvia today. https://t.co/KtoB4hVSRw
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) June 29, 2025
If all goes to plan Inamura should sign this week and be on the upcoming trips to Ireland and Portugal where he can be fully assessed by Brendan Rodgers and his background team.
The in-coming defender does have the advantage of being match fit after half a season in the J-League but there are huge doubts over whether he is ready to compete with Liam Scales and Auston Trusty for a place alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Being sent out on loan would be one option open to Celtic but arriving from a different continent and missing out on pre-season training it will be a big ask to expect Inamura to  fit in with another new club.
F**kin joke signing what the f**k are we playing at?
Editor: Looking like a rerun of 2023…
I will follow Wimbledon for the net fortnight. 2July Honduras vs Mexico in semifinal
of Concafaf Gold Cup. McLaren in the F! at Silverstone. Hayato’s agent looks after
Ideguchi. Let’s hope it works out well for the boss. We have backed him thus far.
Editor: We will discover in the official announcement if the manager is the boss.
Here is a thought . When we get skelped in Europe each year doesn’t one of the coaching staff note down the great and yet untapped talent. Many of these players would be delighted to come to Celtic but nothing is ever done and yet we have witnessed what they are capable of.
I think from the boardroom down there is a laziness that sees a ” we’ll do it tomorrow” attitude pervading the club.
When the transfer window opens the board and management should have a clear view of what is needed, who is available and just pay the price.
The guaranteed £60 million European money each year will cover it and some.
We need a new strong midfield to compete in Europe but that isn’t what we are going to get.
Granted they paid £11 million for Engels and that was a mistake. Why give him a year, as first pick to settle in and not say Palma, Idah. That money should have gone to one of the great midfielders we encountered in Europe last season.
This window is rinse and repeat.
Editor: When you sign guys on August 30/31 you won’t see the best of them for 12 months, guess what date this year Nicholson will be signing off deals on and congratulating himself?
I guess he is more interest in the interest accrued…
What’s tisdale’s remit, scour the globe to find players no better than the ones we have? Let young Anderson go despite having made a hell of more appearances than the Japanese boy. We have coaches saying he’s going to be a top pro and the next minute he’s out the door. Seems to be a complete lack of communication between the football department and the bean counters (as usual). Fucking board not fit for purpose. Must like handing over millions to hmrc every year?
This kind of signing drives me nuts – pointless, waste of money. like Yang, Kwon, Iwata et al Watch him being shipped out on loan in Jan.