Shin Yamada reveals the crucial influence Reo Hatate had in persuading him to join Celtic, ‘he told me…’

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Shin Yamada has joined Celtic from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale on a four-year deal.

After Reo Hatate, the 25-year-old has become the second player to make the move from Kawasaki Frontale to Celtic Park.

In his first words as a Celtic player, Yamada paid tribute to Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi for their positive influence in Glasgow.

And speaking in more detail to Celtic’s official YouTube channel, Yamada has since revealed the significant influence Hatate played in bringing him to the club.

‘He told me it was a privilege to play for Celtic’ – Shin Yamada on Reo Hatate’s advice

While they both played for Kawasaki Frontale, Yamada and Hatate never played together as the midfielder left for the Hoops during the 2021/22 season, before Yamada made his debut for the J-League side.

That didn’t stop Hatate from reaching out to his compatriot to convince him to join Celtic, however.

As Yamada explained: “When I joined Kawasaki Frontale, [Hatate] had already left. So I did not have a chance to meet him face to face.

“However, after there was a rumour of me joining Celtic, I had a nice call with him. He told me this was a nice club, and it was a privilege to play for this club.”

A fan favourite already, Hatate’s words will only further endear him to the Celtic faithful because of the recognition and understanding the 27-year-old has for what it means to play for the club.

Hayato Inamura and Daizen Maeda also persuaded Shin Yamada to join Celtic

While Hatate was important in persuading Yamada to make the switch to the Hoops, he wasn’t the only member of the Celtic squad to convince the forward.

In the same interview with the club’s official YouTube channel, Yamada revealed that he also spoke to new Celtic signing Hayato Inamura prior to joining.

Daizen Maeda also played a role in the 25-year-old’s decision, albeit in a slightly different capacity.

Yamada explained: “I was aware of how well [Maeda] performed in Scotland [while I was in Japan], and me coming over here, I was thinking about that and I will try my best.”

If Yamada performs anywhere near the level that Maeda has set for the club, then Celtic fans will have another Japanese star on their hands.