sevendayweekender – Celtic have signed Japanese centre-back Hayato Inamura on a four-year contract following his departure from Albirex Niigata. The 23-year-old joins the Scottish champions after a brief but impactful stint in the J-League. Inamura arrived at Albirex less than a year ago from Tokyo University, a rare route to professional football in Japan.
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During his time at Albirex, Inamura made 36 appearances, including 17 this season. He started in 15 of those matches, quickly becoming a key figure in the team. Despite the club’s struggles, which currently see them second bottom of the table, Inamura’s performances drew attention from abroad. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers expressed confidence in the young defender, praising his promise and potential. Rodgers said Inamura is eager to take the next step in his career and will be warmly welcomed into the squad.
At Celtic Park, Inamura will be among familiar faces. Fellow Japanese players Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate are part of the current lineup, continuing a trend started under former manager Ange Postecoglou. Postecoglou had previously managed Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan before taking over at Celtic in 2021. Inamura’s move reflects the growing influence of Japanese players in European football. He now steps into a club where his compatriots have already made their mark.
Inamura Inspired by Nakamura and Eager to Meet Expectations
Inamura has chosen to wear the number 25 shirt, a nod to Celtic legend Shunsuke Nakamura. Nakamura, who played for Celtic from 2005 to 2009, was one of Inamura’s childhood idols. The defender said he used to mimic Nakamura’s kicking style, underscoring how much this move means to him personally. Speaking to CelticTV, Inamura called Celtic a massive global club and described the transfer as a huge opportunity. He acknowledged the high expectations on Japanese players and expressed determination to meet them.
The young defender joins at a time when Celtic continue to tap into Japan’s talent pool with successful results. Past signings like Kyogo Furuhashi, Yuki Kobayashi, and Tomoki Iwata have contributed significantly to the club’s success. Following a 4-0 defeat to Machida Zelvia, Inamura confirmed his departure from Albirex in an emotional statement. He apologized for leaving the team during a difficult period but promised to prove that the decision was right.
As he starts his new chapter in Scotland, Inamura brings ambition, resilience, and a deep connection to Celtic’s legacy. His journey from university football to one of Europe’s historic clubs highlights his determination and potential. Celtic fans will now watch closely as Inamura integrates into the squad and adapts to the physical demands of the Scottish Premiership. His signing signals both a personal dream fulfilled and a strategic move by Celtic to bolster their defense for the challenges ahead.
