It’s time for Celtic to get down to some transfer business.
The 2024/25 season is done and dusted, Celtic have added two more trophies to their cabinet, and now it’s time to continue the dominance.
The 2025 summer transfer window officially opened on June 16, as Brendan Rodgers already has a fresh name through the door following Kieran Tierney’s return to his boyhood club.
That’s one name added to the backline, and it’s much-needed, especially with Greg Taylor heading for the exit door and the defensive issues since the turn of the year.
In order to strengthen the defence, it seems as though Celtic could head down a very familiar road.
Celtic fans are divided over transfer links with Albirex Niigata defender Hayato Inamura
The Japan market has worked an absolute treat for Celtic over the years, with the likes of Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate writing their name in folklore.
And now, a new name has emerged because Celtic are being linked with Hayato Inamura from J1 League side Albirex Niigata.
The Celtic Park faithful on social media are divided over this, with some not liking the idea of a defensive option coming in from Japan, but others have warned that such doubts were also made of Maeda and Kyogo, yet they wowed the crowd.
@Jacob16Roy shared what Celtic’s potential new signing could bring: ‘Had a look at some of his scouting data, Really good at heading in defensive duels and good at bringing the ball out of defence and progressing up the pitch.’
@ShaunMcdonagh15 noted what Celtic need: ‘I don’t know if it is what Celtic are looking for, but we need a strong presence beside CCV.’
@Jacob16Roy wants Celtic to look at another defensive option whilst they are over in Japan: ‘Obviously got a bit of development in him, if we are scouting over there, why aren’t we trying to get Kota Takai? He looks as though he could walk right into out defence.’
@CMack659 isn’t happy with Inamura links: ‘A pointless signing….have we learnt nothing the last couple of seasons…..rather have Scales, Trusty, Welsh, Nawrocki than this.’
@grimbosaki states what Rodgers will do if Inamura signs: ‘That’ll be him, Tierney and Scales that can play left centre back/left back…smells like a back 4 that turns into a back 3 in possession.’
@CelticNoah is another fan who isn’t keen.
But @AndyMar40516516 likes the look of who Celtic could buy: ‘I think he looks decent.’
@EvilKinnevo has a two-word response to the Inamura links: ‘Strange one.’
@ShaunMcdonagh15 would prefer Ajer to come back: ‘I’ve heard Ajer is available, don’t know if it’s true but we need someone like him. 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🍀🍀💚🤍’
@KevinLaCruz37 has used Maeda and Kyogo as examples: ‘Can’t wait to read all the comments slagging him just like the Kyogo and Maeda ones when they first signed.’
Inamura’s height worried @MICHAELFAI6553: ‘He’s 5’10 ffs not a centre half.’
Players from Japan who have represented Celtic
There is a strong connection between Celtic and Japan, as the Bhoys are grateful for some of the moments players from that part of the world have produced in Glasgow.
Of course, the first name that pops into everybody’s head is the legendary Shunsuke Nakamura, and his cult hero period in the green and white colours.
Some names on here just didn’t work out, such as the recent departure of Tomoki Iwata, but many of them are legendary figures.
In the case of Maeda and Hatate, they are still adding to those numbers and trophy hauls.
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