Celtic’s fourth summer signing is on his way.
Hayato Inamura was in action for Albirex Niigata on Sunday, and it didn’t end well, because his team were slapped 4-0 at home to Machida Zelvia.
That has proven to be the centre-back’s final game for the J1-League side, as he finalises a transfer to Celtic and the champions of Scotland.
Celtic themselves haven’t confirmed anything yet, but Albirex Niigata have publicly come out and stated that their player will leave.
The Japanese side didn’t name the team in question, instead stating they are an ‘overseas’ side, but Inamura himself also had a message ahead of his departure.
Hayato Inamura apologises to Albirex Niigata fans ahead of Celtic transfer
Even though Inamura is 23 years old, he has only been playing professional football since 2023, and he is now set to make the biggest leap of his career.
As posted by Albirex Niigata’s official website, Inamura has apologised to the fans because he is leaving when the club is in a ‘difficult situation’.
But the left-footed centre-back wanted to express his gratitude to the Niigata fans, and how they have treated him during his two years at the club.
“Comment to all those who love Albirex Niigata,” wrote Inamura. “I have decided to transfer overseas. As a result, I will be leaving the team.
“First of all, I am sorry to have made this decision when the team is in a difficult situation. And I would like to thank all the supporters for the love they have shown me for about two years, including the special designated period when I was confirmed to join Albirex Niigata.
“When I heard my chant at the opening game of this season, I felt a great sense of responsibility and awareness. I want to make this team win, and I want to make all the supporters smile every week. This feeling was my driving force.
“‘LA FAMILIA’ is a word that supporters cherish, and I also love this word. As this word shows, I think the atmosphere of a big family rooted in Niigata is Albirex Niigata’s greatest strength. That’s why I wanted to convey my passion for soccer and my feelings for the team more on the pitch at this warm club.”
Inamura ready for Celtic ‘challenge’
Celtic won the double last season and narrowly missed out on the Treble, so Inamura is walking straight into a pressure cooker of a situation.
Several Japanese stars have worn the Celtic shirt over the years, and two of the biggest names are still at the club – Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda – and you feel they are going to be crucial in how their countryman settles in.
Whatever happens, Inamura is ready for the ‘challenge’, and believes Niigata has ‘built the foundations’ for what he has become today.
“However, when I worked backwards from my goal, I came to the conclusion that now is the best time to challenge myself overseas,” added Inamura.
“I know that not everyone will be happy to see me off, but I will fight with all my might so that one day everyone will think that this decision was the right one and feel proud.
“Finally, I was able to grow in Niigata thanks to the support of everyone involved with Albirex Niigata and everyone who supports our daily activities. It is thanks to you all that I was able to build the foundation as a professional soccer player.
“Thank you very much. I will take all the experiences I gained in Niigata to heart and head to a new challenge. I will do my best to make everyone proud of the time they spent with me. It was a short time of about two years, but thank you very much!”
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