Celtic have found their new centre-back ahead of the 2025/26 season.
It was pretty clear when the 2024/25 season concluded that Brendan Rodgers needed to add more bite and quality to Celtic’s backline, especially on the left-hand side of defence.
Like Celtic have done on many occasions, they have gone left field with this one, dipped into the Japanese market, and now they are set to sign Hayato Inamura.
The 23-year-old played for Albirex Niigata on Sunday – a 4-0 loss at home – and it has proven to be his final match in the club’s orange and blue colours.
And now, Albirex Niigata have confirmed on social media that Inamura is leaving and will be joining an ‘overseas’ side, without naming Celtic, but it has been well-documented that he is joining the Scottish champions.
What Albirex Niigata fans have said about Celtic-bound Hayato Inamura
Inamura is a crucial player for Albirex Niigata, but their supporters were classy in reacting to their star defender leaving midway through their campaign – the J1 League started in February.
Celtic are back in pre-season, so you presume he is going to come straight in, although, from a physical standpoint, he might be ahead of a few players, and that’s probably a bonus for Brendan Rodgers.
Either way, with Niigata confirming that Inamura is heading for their exit door, their supporters on social media were a class above in how they reacted to it all, including how they will be cheering him on.
@xB0400oQLAagq8h is hoping for big money: ‘I bet they got a hefty transfer fee, huh?’
@Ebicharhan1214 thanked Inamura: ‘Thanks. Keep up the good work!’
@shoALB0807 questioned if it’s an early jump to Celtic: ‘Thinking it’s soon, but finally an overseas transfer, huh… Feeling reluctant, but I wish for your success!’
@yuki2900albi with a lovely message as Inamura departs: ‘Feeling lonely, but “From Niigata to the world” — you made it happen, didn’t you? In the pre-season interview, you talked about wearing number 3, becoming a player loved like Chiba-chan and Den-chan. I hope you feel proud to be loved by Niigata as you set off on your journey. #3 Wearing your jersey and fighting together was an honour! I’ll always be cheering for you!!
Another Niigata fan backing Inamura: ‘”Hayato Inamura was raised by Niigata!” I can see a future where Niigata supporters proudly declare this. Take good care of yourself to avoid injuries and illnesses, and go wild overseas! And whenever you feel like coming back, return to Niigata anytime. This place, Niigata, will forever be your home. Seize your dreams, Hayato Inamura!’
@CclxFiNBIZ80750 has two words: ‘It’s over’.
@ryofuku0618 thanked the defender: ‘Inamura, I was truly thrilled that you came to Niigata and fought alongside us! Thank you. Go wild on the world stage! Shine brightly on the world stage! Absolutely become a Japan national team member! This year, being able to cheer for you while wearing your uniform is my pride!’
@nPQ3325hjE70828 told Celtic’s new signing to ‘aim for the top’: ‘From Albi to the world! It’s lonely, but aim for the top as Japan’s representative and in the world! Take care of injuries, and I hope you’ll return to Albi someday. Thank you, Inamura-kun. Stay well’
@m_u_u______ with a brilliant message: ‘Inamu! Go for it! When you come back, I’ll make you some special fried rice!’
@miyamiyanch told Inamura to visit Niigata again: ‘It’s lonely with such a quick goodbye, but please take care of yourself and don’t overdo it. If you ever come back someday, please make sure to visit Niigata!’
Another Niigata fan with a classy message, as @OrangeBlue101d adds: ‘A little… my heart feels lonely, but I pray that you soar and your name appears widely in the media. And someday, please play in Niigata again.’
Celtic’s centre-back options
Cameron Carter-Vickers is the main guy, but even he wasn’t at his best last season, as Celtic, from a defensive standpoint, ended 2025 poorly.
That’s why it was the correct call to bring in more legs at the back, even if some supporters would have preferred a proven player.
Of course, someone could yet leave, but here are the potential options for Rodgers at the heart of the club’s defence.
- Cameron Carter-Vickers
- Auston Trusty
- Liam Scales
- Maik Nawrocki
- Kieran Tierney?
- Hayato Inamura
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