Hayato Inamura set to head out on loan after making Celtic debut

The 23 year-old, who joined from J-League outfit Albirex Niigata last month, is now open to offers from other clubs with Celtic prepared to let him leave on loan.

According to Daily Record, Celtic have informed teams of Inamura’s availability. It is stated that Celtic are looking for his wages to be covered by whatever team comes in for the versatile defender between now and Monday.

So far, no club has been linked with Inamura, but his availability is expected to attract attention from sides in Europe and possibly even a return to Japan. However surely a loan to a Scottish Premiership club would be much more beneficial to all parties, including Celtic?

Inamura featured in his first competitive match for Celtic last weekend, completing the entire 90 minutes in a 3-0 victory over Livingston at Celtic Park.

Brendan Rodgers explained the situation regarding Inamura to The Celtic Star 

Last Tuesday at Celtic Park, while representing The Celtic Star, I asked the manager to explain why Inamura was not included in the Champions League squad for games against Kairat Almaty given Kieran Tierney is currently his only other left-back option.

In response, Rodgers said: “Yeah, very easy. He’s not quite at the level as of yet that I would expect. The plan for Inamura was to come in and train and see where he was at with the possibility of going out on loan because he’s only had a year’s football.”

“He came in as a centre half, stroke left back, but his defensive qualities aren’t at the level that would see me put him in. So it’s as simple as that. So that’s why he’s not involved.”

Brendan Rodgers added: “He’s played in some really good games against Cork and Queen’s Park, but the reality is that’s the level that you play, you get 80% of the ball and you’ve got the ball.”

“But we also need a player that can defend. And we’re hoping that over the couple of years with experience and with maybe a loan, that can that that can take place. But at this very, very moment, that’s why he’s not in the squad. It’s as simple as that.”

Conor Spence