An interesting take on Celtic’s imminent purchase of Hayato Inamura

The promising left-sided defender is expected to join the club from Japan soon, but Hannah poured some cold water on the idea of the youngster being thrown straight into the deep end of first-team action at Celtic Park.

‘I don’t think Inamura will see the first team next season. I think the plan might be to either loan him straight back to his club in Japan or loan him to a European league.

It would be a huge leap for the lad to go from the level he has been playing at and straight into the Celtic first team. I think it’s too big a leap.’

It’s a fair assessment, and there is merit in what Roger says. Celtic fans have seen this kind of cautious approach before, especially with younger imports needing time to settle, adapt, and physically prepare for the demands of Scottish football.

But there’s another side to this coin — and perhaps a clearer path to first-team involvement than Hannah suggests.

The reality is Celtic are carrying a bloated squad with numerous players already deemed surplus to requirements. Players such as Adam Montgomery, Stephen Welsh, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Maik Nawrocki, Marco Tilio, Kwon Hyeok-kyu, and even Luis Palma and Johnny Kenny to an extent, have little realistic future at the club under Brendan Rodgers. Whether it’s down to poor form, limited opportunities, or simply not being Rodgers’ type of player, the writing is already on the wall for most, if not all of those players.

Celtic’s recruitment team, under Paul Tisdale, and the Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson, must streamline this squad. It’s not just about balancing books — it’s about creating space for players like Inamura, who, despite their youth and inexperience, might bring the sort of raw quality and hunger that can add something to the group, and even the team.

By shifting out those who are either not trusted or not needed, Rodgers can refocus the squad. This leaner setup may allow room for talents like Inamura to get a proper look-in — especially during early season cup games, or home league matches perhaps against bottom six level opposition – if such opportunities arise.

And if Inamura does show promise, Rodgers will be able to assess him more fully in the environment of Celtic Park rather than farming him out immediately and losing close control of his development. That’s arguably a far better solution than instantly sending him to another club without really knowing what he can do at beyond Lennoxtown bounce games or in pre-season friendlies.

The idea of a January loan — if it’s necessary — makes more sense than a summer exit before the ink has even dried on the contract.

Let’s not forget, Inamura comes highly rated and plays in a position where Celtic are not overly blessed, it’s also possible he can deputise at left back, as well as central defence, because as things stand it’s only Kieran Tierney in the squad who is trusted to play the full back position, and unless we have an alternative in mind during this transfer window, Inamura might very well be needed.

If he adapts quickly, shows the right attitude, and is given a proper examination over a decent amount of minutes, there’s every chance he could follow in the footsteps of past success stories from Asia who took their chance and ran with it – his profile as a player after all, position aside, is not so different from that of Reo Hatate when he made the same move.

So, while Roger Hannah is probably right to sound a note of caution, that doesn’t mean Inamura’s Celtic story can’t start this season. Provided Celtic act decisively in trimming the fat from the squad, there could well be space for a fresh face to make a real impact.

And after all, isn’t that exactly the kind of excitement we look for in a new signing? Where we get to see what he’s got, before we pass judgement after a half hour run-out in the League Cup!