Celtic sign Japanese centre-back Inamura

Celtic have signed Hayato Inamura on a four-year contract after the Japanese centre-half left Albirex Niigata in his homeland.

The 23-year-old has spent less than a year with the J-League club after joining from Tokyo University.

Inamura has made 36 appearances for the Niigata club, including 17 this season – all but two of them starts.

“He’s a young player full of promise and potential,” said Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.

“I know that he’s delighted to be taking this next step in his career by joining us, and we look forward to welcoming him into the squad. “

Inamura will join compatriots Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate at Celtic Park, while Kyogo Furuhashi, Yuki Kobayashi, and Tomoki Iwata have also been at the Scottish champions in recent years.

All were signed by former boss Ange Postecoglou, who spent three-and-a-half years in charge of Yokohama F. Marinos before his switch to Glasgow in June 2021.

Inamura has chosen to wear the number 25 donned by childhood idol Shunsuke Nakamura, who starred for Celtic between 2005 and 2009.

“Many Japanese players have had success at this club,” Inamura told CelticTV. “Across the world, this is a massive club and is really well known. I am truly excited to be joining Celtic. It’s a huge opportunity for me.

“So far, the current Japanese players have been performing at a high level. I think that is why there are expectations on Japanese players. I really want to live up to those expectations and do my best.

“Regarding Nakamura, I used to imitate his kicking style when I was a kid. He was one of my favourite players. “

Albirex sit second bottom of the J-League after 22 games following their 4-0 weekend defeat by eighth-placed Machida Zelvia.

Afterwards, Inamura announced it was his final game, telling the club website: “I am sorry to have made this decision when the team is in a difficult situation.