Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has confirmed that Celtic have booked a medical for Hayato Inamura. The J-League defender played for Albirex in their 4-0 loss earlier on Sunday in what appears to be his last game before moving to Glasgow.
In a post on Twitter, Joseph confirmed that the player would arrive in the UK later this week with a medical and paperwork to be completed before his unveiling as a Celtic player.
UPDATE: Celtic are closing in on the signing of Albirex Niigata centre-back Hayato Inamura.
It’s understood the 23yo is due to arrive in the UK this week to undergo a medical and finalise the paperwork on his move.
Inamura played in Niigata’s 4-0 loss to Machida Zelvia today. https://t.co/KtoB4hVSRw
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) June 29, 2025
It remains to be seen what role the defender will have at Celtic. Kieran Tierney has returned from Arsenal, six years after his £25m departure to the North London club. KT will be the first choice left back but a back up left back is required and it Inamura can play their as well as at centre back. There are some concerns among the support that the player could be similar to Yuki Kobayashi, who struggled to cope with the physicality of Scottish football.
Inamura will join Celtic as the fourth signing of the summer after Tierney, Ross Doohan and Benji Nygren. Brendan will be eager to add further players to his ranks, especially with the impending departure of Taylor to PAOK. There will be a number of fringe players expected to move on this summer – such as Luis Palma, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Stephen Welsh.
No matter what we welcome him into the celtic family. We’ve also had a good track record with Japanese players tbf! C’mon the hoops!!!