Celtic target J-League left sided central defender Hayato Inamura

Stephen McGowan has a good track record when it comes to Celtic, and writing in the Herald the journalist has linked the Hoops with left sided central defender Hayato Inamura of Japanese club Albirex Nigata :

‘Celtic are working on a surprise move for Japanese defender Hayato Inamura. Currently playing for Albirex Niigata the 23-year-old primarily plays as a left-sided centre-back but can also provide cover at left full-back.’

Signed from Toyo University in 2021 six foot tall Inamura secured a J-League Cup runners-up medal last season, but currently finds himself locked in a relegation struggle in Niigata. Celtic are no strangers to the Japanese market, signing the likes of Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, Tomoki Iwata and Yuki Kobayashi in the past.’

Don’t forget about our King of Japan Shunsuke Nakamura, Stephen

Don’t forget about the King of Japan Shunsuke Nakamura, Stephen and of this parish has been exclusively speaking to former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan who gives a detailed insight into how that notable transfer of Nakamura to Celtic came about back in July 2005. It’s a fascinating article that’s well worth a read.

This latest news is an interesting move for Celtic, given that Brendan Rodgers already has two left sided central defenders in Auston Trusty and Liam Scales who have both been used over the course of last season but neither has nailed down the left sided central role as their own.

Signing Inamura would certainly give another option, but the report indicates the 23 year old can also operate as a left back, although going by his playing history, which is limited at only 33 games across the last two seasons, Celtic must see something in his profile that indicates he can operate in that position as he doesn’t seem to have played much in that position..

A quick look at the video below, will show a player who passes the ball well from defence and one who also carries the ball well and breaks the lines, which in theory at least could be good attributes for a full back as well as a central defender.

Inamota would follow Yuki Kobayashi as a defender moving from J-League to Celtic 

Inamota would follow Yuki Kobayashi as a defender moving to Celtic from the J-League, and although the physicality of the Scottish league saw Kobayashi fail to make the grade, there is certainly merit in Celtic returning to the Japanese market after the success under Ange Postecoglou with Kyogo, Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and to a lesser extent Tomoki Iwata, who may not have claimed a first team spot, but was certainly an excellent squad rotation option. Indeed, it may well be Inamoto could fill in similar role at the club, albeit in defence rather than midfield.

Greg Taylor looks less than likely to sign a new contract

With Greg Taylor looking less than likely to sign a new contract, cover for the returning Kieran Tierney will be a priority for the recruitment team, and if Inamoto is versatile enough to cover two positions, this could be an ideal scenario for a Celtic manager who looks to operate with a small squad.

Inamoto is six feet tall and certainly seems a good prospect

Inamoto is six feet tall and certainly seems a good prospect. Although his limited football may seem as a downside to the deal it should be noted he only started playing professionally two years ago, giving him a similar profile as Reo Hatate who also came through Japan’s University system before becoming a professional slightly later than European players often do.

That may mean there is still a deal of development to come for Inamota. However, arriving as a squad rotation option would give the player plenty of time to settle in whilst the Celtic coaching staff certainly have a good reputation for improving players and Inamota looks to have a good foundation level upon which progress can be built on.

With the link to Inamota coming from a respected journalist, this transfer looks very much one to keep an eye on, although it should be noted that he may just be one of many currently under consideration by Celtic.