Celtic Eyeing Summer Swoop For Another Japanese Talent: Why He Could Play A Key Role Next Season | OneFootball

If a recent report from The Herald is believed to be true, Celtic are eyeing a summer swoop for Hayato Inamura. They continue to explore the Asian market in the post-Ange Postecoglou era, and the little-known Japanese defender could be the latest name to ply his trade in Scotland from the J1 League.

The 23-year-old youngster spent his teenage years at Maebashi Ik HS and Toyo University before being recruited by Albirex Niigata as a designated special player. Although he appeared 19 times last season across competitions, Albi boss Rikizo Matsuhashi mostly deployed him as a substitute in the league fixtures. But the centre-back did not miss a single minute en route to their J League Cup final heartbreak against Nagoya Grampus in the tie-breaker.

His stratospheric rise earned him a regular league role so far in the 2025 campaign, and the Celts, having scouted the far East market extensively over the past few years, must be impressed by his emergence despite Albirex Niigata’s dreadful run of form.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 26: Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda, Yuki Kobayashi and Tomoki Iwata of Celtic pose with the Viaplay Cup with teammates trophy following victory in the Viaplay Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park on February 26, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic’s raid in Japan has been largely successful, with Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate being integral to their revival since Rangers’ 2020-21 Premiership triumph. But they also snapped up Yosuke Ideguchi, Tomoki Iwata and Yuki Kobayashi, who failed to stake a claim under Postecoglou or Brendan Rodgers.

Why Celtic Should Rope In Inamura

Having said that, Inamura would be a smart pick for Rodgers’ long-term Celtic project. Predominantly a centre-half, the left-footed defensive prospect is capable of featuring as a left fullback. While the Bhoys are currently well-equipped in the heart of the backline, they still need someone to deputise for Kieran Tierney following Greg Taylor and Jeffrey Schlupp’s departure.

Schlupp, a free agent upon being released by Crystal Palace, won’t be a long-term solution. Also, Taylor’s exit as a free agent leaves a void, even though the Hoops have brought Tierney back to his boyhood club on a Bosman. Inamura could be involved sporadically for his pace and flair; however, he might also grab minutes in deep defence for certain reasons.

Cameron Carter-Vickers is irreplaceable for his towering presence, and the gaffer has rotated Auston Trusty and Liam Scales for the other central defensive spot. Maik Nawrocki was reintegrated at the backend of the 2024-25 campaign, but the Polish ace would prefer a return to his homeland, with Pogon Szczecin likely to offer assured gametime.

Gustaf Lagerbielke and Stephen Welsh spent the season out on loan with FC Twente and Mechelen, respectively. The Glasgow giants should listen to offers for the pair rather than retaining them as fourth and fifth-choice centre-backs, and their summer exit could see Inamura grab a bit-part role if a transfer takes place in due time.