Celtic Eye Japanese Defender Hayato Inamura in Surprise Summer Swoop

Celtic are reportedly lining up a summer move for Albirex Niigata defender Hayato Inamura, as they look to bolster their defensive ranks ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

According to The Scottish Sun, the 23-year-old Japanese prospect has emerged as a potential target for the Scottish champions, with the club once again turning their attention to the Asian market – a strategy that proved highly successful during Ange Postecoglou's tenure at Parkhead.

Inamura, who joined Albirex from Toyo University in July 2023, has featured regularly in the J.League this season, showcasing his versatility across the backline. Primarily a centre-back, he is also capable of playing at left-back – two areas Brendan Rodgers is understood to be keen to strengthen this summer.

Celtic are well-stocked at centre-half, with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty forming the preferred partnership when fit, and Liam Scales also providing reliable cover. However, ongoing injury concerns and the possibility of summer departures – particularly with Gustaf Lagerbielke expected to be sold and Polish interest in Maik Nawrocki – have prompted the club to explore long-term defensive reinforcements.

Left-back is another position under review. With Greg Taylor reportedly nearing an exit and only youngsters Adam Montgomery and Mitchel Frame in reserve, Kieran Tierney remains the sole senior option on that flank.

While Inamura is not expected to immediately compete for a first-team place, the report suggests Celtic could complete the signing and send him out on loan to gain experience, as part of a developmental pathway into the senior squad.

Albirex Niigata are currently embroiled in a relegation battle in Japan, and with two years left on Inamura’s contract, a summer departure could be on the cards if Celtic come forward with a formal offer.

Should the move materialise, Inamura would follow in the footsteps of Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, and Yang Hyun-Jun – a new chapter in Celtic’s fruitful recruitment from Japan.

The summer window officially opened today, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks as the Hoops continue shaping their squad for the challenges ahead, both domestically and in Europe.