Celtic have confirmed the signing of Shin Yamada from Japanese J League side Kawasaki Frontale, subject to international clearance.
The 25-year-old becomes Celtic’s seventh signing this summer as Brendan Rodgers bolsters his squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
A Japanese international, Yamada will be hoping to have the same impact as fellow countrymen Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, and Kyogo Furuhashi at Celtic Park.
Indeed, speaking as a Celtic player for the first time following confirmation of his move, Yamada was keen to pay his respects to the three Japanese players, while also outlining how he aims to be different.
‘I will aim to have the same impact’ – Shin Yamada on Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, and Kyogo Furuhashi
Speaking to Celtic’s website, Yamada said: “It is a huge honour for me to be here as a Celtic player, and I can’t wait to begin my time at this amazing club.
“Celtic is one of the top names in world football.”
It was here that the forward paid his respects to Maeda, Hatate and Furuhashi, adding: “I have already watched my countrymen like Daizen, Reo, and Kyogo do so well at Celtic, and I will aim to have the same impact.”
However, Yamada was also keen to stress his differences to his three countrymen, stating: “I am my own player, though, and I am ready to face all my own challenges directly.”
He was also keen to emphasise his excitement at playing for Celtic, saying: “I want to do so well at Celtic, I know that Celtic Park is one of the best places in the world to play football with the best supporters around, and I will do everything I can to make my new fans proud of me.
“I promise I will give everything I have to bring our fans success.”
It is an attitude that should go down well with Hoops fans, although the proof will be in how Yamada performs on the pitch.
Unlike Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate, Shin Yamada has a lot to prove as he joins Celtic as an unknown quantity
Naturally, Brendan Rodgers has spoken positively about Yamada in recent weeks as the transfer edged closer to completion.
Having featured prominently in the J-League since 2023, however, Yamada has scored a respectable 32 goals in 121 club appearances for Kawasaki.
Yet this season he has struggled, scoring just twice in 21 outings.
It means the forward will have some way to go to live up to the standards set by the likes of Maeda and Hatate.
Indeed, both Maeda and Hatate joined Celtic after previously being included in the J-League division’s team of the season.
To achieve that feat, Maeda scored 23 goals in a single campaign, while Hatate helped Kawasaki Frontale retain their league title.
Bhoys fans will nonetheless get behind their new signing and back him to the hilt as he looks to have an impact in the Scottish Premiership and Champions League.
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