Celtic FC are on the verge of completing the signing of Japanese international forward Shin Yamada from Kawasaki Frontale, in a deal that marks the Scottish champions' latest foray into the J.League market.
The 25-year-old striker has officially left Kawasaki Frontale as of 16 July to finalise a transfer to an unnamed overseas club — widely reported by both Japanese and Scottish media to be Celtic. The J1 side confirmed Yamada's departure on their website, stating that the player was leaving to “complete procedures for a move abroad,” with further details to be announced once the transfer is finalised.
Yamada is expected to undergo a medical and sign his contract in Scotland later this week.
From J.League Star to European Challenge
Yamada joined Kawasaki’s first team in 2022 after rising through the club's academy and spending his university years at Toin Yokohama University. He was formally registered as a Designated Special Player before earning a full contract in 2023. Since then, he has made 121 appearances for Frontale, scoring 32 goals and providing nine assists across all competitions.
His breakout season came in 2023, when he finished third in the J1 League scoring charts with 19 goals. Though he has struggled to replicate that form in 2024 with just two goals so far, his overall trajectory and potential have drawn strong interest from European clubs.
Celtic, who have a strong record of integrating Japanese players into their squad since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou in 2021, appear set to continue that trend even under new management. Yamada would join compatriots such as Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, and Daizen Maeda, though squad turnover this summer means he could have an opportunity to make an immediate impact.
National Team Breakthrough
Yamada also made his senior debut for Japan at the 2025 EAFF E-1 Championship, coming off the bench in the 6-1 win over Hong Kong on 8 July. While he didn't find the net, his inclusion in the squad signals his growing reputation on the international stage.
With one year to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, the move to Celtic could be a pivotal step in Yamada’s bid to cement a spot in Hajime Moriyasu’s plans.
Farewell at Todoroki
Yamada’s departure was marked with an official farewell to Kawasaki Frontale supporters following the Emperor’s Cup third-round clash against SC Sagamihara on 16 July. After the match, he addressed fans at Uvance Todoroki Stadium and took a lap of honour — a gesture that signified the end of a brief but impactful chapter in the J1 League.
While the move is yet to be officially confirmed by Celtic, all signs point to a deal that is imminent — one that continues the Hoops' tradition of tapping into Japan’s top attacking talent.