Celtic’s Hayato Inamura on verge of swift return to J-League | OneFootball

Reports emerging from Japan suggest Celtic full-back Hayato Inamura could be on the verge of a swift return to the J-League…

Shin Yamada & Hayato Inamura of Celtic step off the team bus at Celtic Park. Celtic v Livingston, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 23 August 2025. Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

The 23-year-old joined the Scottish champions during the summer after completing a £250,000 move from Albirex Niigata, committing his future to the club with a long-term contract.

Despite the move, opportunities have been limited, with Inamura featuring just once for the Hoops, in a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Livingston in August.

FC Tokyo lead race to sign Celtic summer signing

According to Japanese outlet TRA, FC Tokyo are leading the chase for the defender, with suggestions of strong competition from within the league as several clubs explore a potential deal. Kawasaki Frontale are also reportedly monitoring his situation closely as interest builds ahead of the January transfer window opening.

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)

TRA Report: ‘FC Tokyo Set to Acquire Hayato Inamura from Scotland’s Premiership Celtic Amid Bidding War with Multiple Clubs. He joined Albirex Niigata this season and challenged himself on the European stage in July, but has been unable to break into matches since the league’s kickoff. FC Tokyo appears to be advancing talks for a loan with a purchase option, and it looks like a bidding war with multiple clubs, including Kawasaki Frontale.’

Celtic’s recent recruitment from Japan has produced mixed results. High-profile arrivals such as Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda have become influential players in recent season, while others have found it harder to establish themselves in Glasgow.

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)

Previous signings including Yosuke Ideguchi, Yuki Kobayashi and Tomoki Iwata and now Inamura struggled to cement regular roles within the senior team, highlighting the challenges faced by some imports in adapting to life and demands at Celtic.

For Inamura, as well as compatriot Shin Yamada, an exit now appears increasingly likely. Yamada has also found opportunities scarce, making just six appearances across all competitions so far and still searching for his first goal for the club.

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

Including Inamura and Yamada, Celtic made 11 summer signings and not one has improved the side from last season. However, nobody within the club seems to have taken responsibility for it.

Paul Tisdale. Premier Sports Cup Final. 14 December 2025. St Mirren v Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

In fact, it appears that Paul Tisdale – who headed the summer recruitment – was able to hand pick our new manager Wilfried Nancy. It may be too early to judge, but Nancy’s start has been nothing short of disastrous and Tisdale’s role in this dreadful season cannot be overlooked.

Women’s Fan Media to Blame

Ultimately though the buck stops with the unaccountable Celtic Board who prefer to blame everyone from the Green Brigade to the two members of the Women’s Celtic fan media who have been banned from media conferences with Elena Sadiku and her players.

Elena Sadiku, CELTIC FC Women v Glasgow City. SWPL1, Sunday 19 October 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Celtic FC Women beat Aberdeen on Sunday and there wasn’t even a post match interview with the manager. The crowd at the game at Celtic’s home venue at Hamilton has been estimated at just 60.

There was also a SACK THE BOARD banner on display at the match.

Conor Spence

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