Celtic’s New Bhoy is full of Eastern Promise | OneFootball

There’s a new Bhoy in town—and if Brendan Rodgers is right, Shin Yamada could be the next Japanese star to light up Celtic Park.

Shin Yamada, Celtic FC latest summer signing. Photo Celtic FC

The long-anticipated signing of Yamada from Kawasaki Frontale has now been rubber-stamped, with the 25-year-old forward joining on a four-year deal.

While it’s hardly breaking news to anyone who’s been paying attention, Kawasaki had already waved goodbye to their man a few days ago, it’s now official – Shin Yamada is a Celt.

Rodgers commented on the new signings qualities earlier in the week, and seemed to play down the move a bit, but now that the ink’s dry on the contract, the Celtic manager has been a bit more open about what Yamada will bring to his squad

“Power, athleticism and intensity”—those are the three words Rodgers used when summing up Yamada’s game. It’s the kind of profile that fits our high-energy system, and fans can expect a forward who doesn’t just lead the line but also presses strongly from the front.

Shin Yamada, Celtic FC latest summer signing. Photo Celtic FC

“I know Yamada is really keen to make his mark here in European football and deliver for Celtic,” Rodgers told the official Celtic FC website: “And I think he is someone who has the power, athleticism and intensity in his play to do really well for us.”

Celtic supporters know all about the impact of Japanese strikers at Celtic. We’ve already had Kyogo’s clinical finishing and Maeda’s relentless pressing, so the Japan to Celtic connection is a proven relationship—and Rodgers is clearly banking on Yamada to add another chapter to that success story.

“Yamada is a strong player who can score and create goals for others, and I think he is someone who can definitely add an important dimension to our forward line,” Rodgers added.

Shin Yamada, Celtic FC latest summer signing. Photo Celtic FC

Yamada also apparently brings a level of speed and energy that could be a game-changer for Rodgers, especially in Europe, where Celtic often have to work harder off the ball. Expect Yamada to be the one chasing down defenders centrally – and with the possibility of Maeda beside him on the wing, that’s going to trouble European defences, never mind domestic backlines.

There’s also a major personal motivation behind the move. With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner—and Japan looking increasingly impressive on the international stage—Yamada is eyeing a seat on that plane to the United States.

He made his debut for the national team earlier this month, coming on in a 6-1 defeat of Hong Kong. Now, with the spotlight of European football on him, he’s hoping Celtic Park becomes the platform for even more international recognition.

“Yes, definitely,” Yamada said when asked if Celtic could help him get more Japan caps.

“To play here, to perform very well here and to score goals will help me to play for the national team, and eventually the World Cup..

The ambition is there, and so is the opportunity. Now it’s over to Shin Yamada to make his mark in the Hoops—and if he brings the “power, athleticism and intensity” Brendan Rodgers sees in him, Celtic Park could be about to witness the rise of its next fan favourite.

Let the Shin Yamada era begin.

Niall J