Incoming Celtic signing -Inamura on his way to Paradise

The left-footed centre-back, who signed with Albirex just last summer, has featured in 15 top-flight matches this season as his team fights to avoid relegation.

Although Brendan Rodgers is prioritising midfield reinforcements after signing Benjamin Nygren, 23-year-old Inamura is also reportedly a key summer target for Celtic, with Japanese media suggesting the transfer is nearing completion.

According to Sponichi, Inamura will feature in his last match for Albirex Niigata against Machida Zelvia today before traveling to Europe for a medical and to sign his contract with the Scottish champions.

The 6-foot left-footed defender is known for his expertise in set pieces, and if he moves to Celtic, he will be the ninth Japanese player to have played for the club.

Since joining in 2022, current Celtic players Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate have been hugely successful, quickly becoming fans-favourites and are now attracting interest from clubs all across Europe for their quality displays in the Champions League.

Fellow countryman Kyogo Furuhashi had an iconic three-and-a-half-year stint at Celtic before his £10 million transfer to Rennes in January.

Meanwhile, Tomoki Iwata departed last summer to sign with Chris Davies’ Birmingham, and both Yosuke Ideguchi and Yuki Kobayashi were also shown the exit door after struggling to make an impact at the club.

Celtic have been actively in the market identifying a centre-back and a left-back, therefore Inamura may be cover for both positions.

With the departure of Greg Taylor, and with centre-back trio Gustaf Lagerbielke, Stephen Welsh and Maik Nawrocki expected to leave the club on loan or permanently, Inamura offers depth to the squad.

What is clear is Celtic are acting fast in the transfer market, and with the manager only having one year left on his contract, it is not surprising the club have distinctively changed their approach this summer. For far too long, structure and time management has been neglected in the windows since Rodgers has returned. Getting players in as early as possible for pre-season just kicking off is a welcome approach.

Conor Spence

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