Celtic are delighted to announce the signing of Hayato Inamura, who has joined the club on a four-year deal from Japanese side, Albirex Niigata, subject to international clearance.
The 23-year-old defender becomes the latest player to arrive at Celtic during this transfer window, and he will also link up with fellow countrymen, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate.
Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers said: “We’re delighted to bring Hayato to Celtic and we’re looking forward to working with him.
“He’s a young player full of promise and potential. I know that he’s delighted to be taking this next step in his career by joining us, and we look forward to welcoming him into the squad.”
Hayato Inamura, who will wear the No.25 jersey, like his fellow countryman and Celtic great, Shunsuke Nakamura, is delighted to have joined the Scottish Champions.
He told Celtic TV: “Many Japanese players have had success at this club. Across the world, this is a massive club and is really well known. I am truly excited to be joining Celtic. It's a huge opportunity for me.
“So far, even the current Japanese players have been performing at a high level. I think that is why there are expectations on Japanese players. I really want to live up to those expectations and do my best.
“The reason why I chose 25 is because out of the options I was given, that one really stood out to me.
“Then obviously regarding Nakamura, I used to imitate his kicking style when I was a kid. He was one of my favourite players."
Discuss Hayato Inamura in the Celtic Chat area at TalkCeltic.net.
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Blochairnbhoy
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* knows how it will turn out but welcome to our latest Japanese warrior!
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Welcome to the biggest and most successful club in Scotland :shamrock:
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At £250k, it's an extremely low risk signing.
We either loan him out closer to the end of the window, or keep him as 4th choice and loan him out in January. If he manages to become first choice then it's even better.
Whilst he's not the most physical, his pace will make a big difference in games where we're trying to break the low block. -
He’s here to kill some huns
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Jacob knows
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Welcome big man. Go and surprise us
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Another Japanese Bhoy, love it.
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Mr Shelby Moderator Moderator Gold Member
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Welcome. Certainly looks to have a great left foot.
Definitely see him more as a LB over here. But will need a loan imo.BhoyFitz likes this. -
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I would settle for him slicing through their team with some of those passes he is capable of pinging from the back.
Interesting he’s took a prominent number like 25, I still can’t help think he’s viewed as our back up left back.Last edited: Jul 4, 2025Blochairnbhoy likes this. -
He’ll surprise a few folk good feeling with him
Obviously saving the number 3 for someone else -
Double Dutch
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Looking forward to seeing what this boy can do, if he pings balls about like the ones in his highlights reel he'll be a hero in no time.
Welcome :ynwacelti -
Can see the the appeal but cannot help but shake that koboyashi feeling about it. Hope I am wrong mind and would be very happy to be wrong
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I am actually pretty upbeat on him too just not probably as a centre back. He is clearly a good footballer from his range of passing and carrying on the ball. At any other position except centre back he isn’t small at about 6ft and he has good pace.
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That’s a fair opinion agree with that
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John Bhoy79 Head in the clouds. Mind in the gutter.
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Looks thinner than a junkie's wallet but what the *, he's here now so good luck to you son.
Artorias likes this. -
Doesn't look like a CB at all but low cost punt. Interesting to see what happens here.
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