‘Club signing’ or not, Hayato Inamura’s Celtic move didn’t reflect well on anyone.
Brought from the J-League at a minimal price, it was that quote that Brendan Rodgers used when asked about Inamura’s arrival.
This eventually contributed to Rodgers’ departure – but for the defender, we never did receive an explanation why the Hoops had brought a 23-year-old player from the other side of the world with seemingly no intention of playing him.
Inamura wasn’t even registered in Celtic’s Europa League squad, and played just one game for the club – ironically doing reasonably well in a 3-0 home win over Livingston.
He has now returned to Japan, joining FC Tokyo on loan with an option to buy – and his latest reflection on his Celtic spell makes for truly damning reading.
Hayato Inamura’s Celtic signing: What on earth happened?
Hayato Inamura’s Celtic reflection
Inamura has already admitted that there are ‘things [he] can’t say’ about his time in Glasgow, upon completing his move to Tokyo.
However, he has now lifted the lid a little bit more.
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Speaking about his time in Scotland, the 23-year-old gave a brutally candid recollection on his unsuccessful move.
He said: “To be honest, I haven’t had enough time to fully process my time at Celtic in my mind yet.
“I felt ashamed and felt like I couldn’t change anything, no matter what. Recently, more and more players are going overseas, so I felt it was shameful to come back to Japan after only six months.
“But I don’t think it’s the end for my career to go back to Japan, and I want to work hard for this team so that my career can take off again.
“It was a difficult time and I didn’t play. I often had to train with just three other players. I sometimes wondered: ‘Am I actually a football player?’
“I began to feel anxious and wondered if I would ever play a match again.
“A variety of emotions welled up inside me during that period. But, having the time to reflect on this has allowed me to recognise my weaknesses.
“I truly felt I had hit the bottom, so I believe I can only improve from here. I also felt embarrassed for my former club at Albirex Niigata because I didn’t live up to their expectations.
“But I hope this change can help me return to where I was before I left.”
Hearing those words, it’s difficult not to feel sympathy for Inamura. He’ll doubtless be motivated to earn a move back to Europe and prove the club wrong.
What would you do?
Celtic’s bizarre summer transfer business in 2025
Just weeks after the arrival of Inamura, Shin Yamada followed him from the J-League. Two years his senior, the striker has been slightly more involved, but he too was labelled a ‘club signing’ by Rodgers.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has already played more minutes for FC Koln than he did for Celtic. His signing on a season-long loan deal is equally baffling.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha hasn’t started a match for Celtic since September. He was signed for £5 million. Do I have to go on?
Blame it on Rodgers, blame it on Paul Tisdale… it’s all a terrible reflection on how the club has operated in the transfer market.
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