Hayato Inamura development, as Mitchell Robertson heads to Inverness | OneFootball

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers says he is monitoring Hayato Inamura daily while considering whether to bring in another left-back during the summer transfer window…

Hayato Inamura of Celtic FC in action during Como Cup match played between Al-Ahli and Celtic FCat Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Last month, the Japanese defender arrived from Albirex Niigata – who have been battling relegation in the J-League – in a move believed to have cost the Hoops around £250,000.

Rodgers had originally planned to loan out Inamura, but the defender’s impressive start to pre-season prompted the Celtic manager to reconsider.

Yesterday afternoon, Rodgers was questioned about Inamura and whether Celtic might still look to sign a left-back before the transfer window shuts.

Hayato Inamura of Celtic controls the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Speaking at the media conference which The Celtic Star attended, the Irishman said: “I’m assessing it every day and taking a real close look at certain aspects of his game.”

“He’s done well, and we have to make sure that by the end of the month, we’ve got it absolutely right for us going forward into certainly, into the next period.”

“In fairness to the boy, as I said, his plan was that he’d come in and then probably go out on loan. I mentioned that right at the very beginning. That was the plan for him. But he’s come in and coped well. But we’ll see over the coming weeks where we’re at.”

Hayato Inamura of Celtic Cork City v Celtic, Pre Season Friendly, SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork, Ireland – 08 Jul 2025Cork SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh Ireland. Photo Lorraine O’Sullivan Shutterstock

Celtic kick off their Scottish Premiership season tomorrow with a home clash against St Mirren at Celtic Park.

Meanwhile, Scottish League One side Inverness Caledonian Thistle have confirmed the signing of Celtic youngster Mitchell Robertson.

theRangers v Celtic, Scottish Premiership at Ibrox on 04 May 2025: Mitchell Robertson Celtic Glasgow. Photo Alex Todd

The 20-year-old has moved to the Highlands on a loan deal that runs through the remainder of the season.

Robertson was a mainstay in Celtic’s B team last season, featuring in 28 Lowland League matches and making seven appearances in the UEFA Youth League.

Oscar Cortes of theRangers B in action with Mitchell Robertson of Celtic B during the City of Glasgow Cup Final match at Lesser Hampden, 17 December 2024. Photo /Shutterstock

Speaking to Inverness’ official website, Caley Thistle boss Scott Kellacher said: “We’d like to thank Shaun Maloney, Jonny Hayes and Celtic FC for their assistance with this loan agreement.”

Robertson, who played in Celtic’s pre-season match against Cork City earlier last month could make his Inverness debut this afternoon against Kelty Hearts.

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David Potter at the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden, Celtic 2 Hearts 1, 25 may 2019. Photo The Celtic Star

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