Celtic agree deal to sign Japanese defender Hayato Inamura

A report in the respected Japanese outlet Sponichi gives all the available details.

‘Niigata rookie Inamura to transfer to prestigious Celtic, heading overseas after just six months as a pro; his last game will be against Machida on the 29th…

‘It was decided by the 28th that Niigata University graduate rookie defender Inamura would transfer to prestigious Scottish first division club Celtic.

‘According to multiple sources, an agreement has been reached in principle between the clubs, and an official announcement is expected to be made next week. The home game against Machida on the 29th will be his final game.

‘He is expected to travel to Europe at the start of next week, where he will officially sign after undergoing a medical check. The centre-back, known for his accurate left-footed kicks, will be flying overseas after only six months as a professional.’

It’s been quite a week for Inamura who has played 16 times for his side this season and scored his first ever goal in senior football last weekend against Avispa Fukuoka.

Hayato Inamura will join up with fellow countrymen Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda at Celtic with an announcement expected this week as he prepares to become Celtic’ fourth signing of the season joining Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan and Benjamin Nygren as Brendan Rodgers re-shapes his squad for the new campaign.

Hayato Inamura can play left centre-back and also left-back so could provide versatility to the squad and can act as the Kieran Tierney deputy when called upon, with Greg Taylor set to officially leave Celtic over the next few days.

*Celtic sometimes do the medicals in London, for players coming from abroad.

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