Celtic have started this summer transfer window strong. They have shown the kind of urgency that has been missing since the departure of Ange Postecoglou as manager. For some reason, they have always been passive when it comes to signing players under the management of Brendan Rodgers, over both of his stints. But fortunately, it looks like things have changed in that regard.
Celtic are believed to be on the verge of completing deals to sign multiple players over the coming days. One such player is Hayato Inamura of Albirex Niigata.
That is a name most Celtic fans would not have been aware of even a week ago. But reports in Japan have suggested that talks are advancing and it might not be long before Inamura signs with the Scottish champions.
The player himself has broken his silence on the matter, confirming that negotiations are going on. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, he told Nikkan Sports:
"We are leaving the negotiations to the clubs themselves, so we are not at the stage where we can talk about whether we will go or not.
“Right now, all we want to do is make good preparations for our next match against Fukuoka."
23-year-old player confirms negotiations to join Celtic
It is not hard to see why Celtic might be interested in signing Inamura. He fits the profile that the club need at this point in time. He is a left-footed centre-back, also capable of playing at left-back.
Celtic have tried to bring in a defensive partner for Cameron Carter-Vickers for the last couple of years, since Carl Starfelt left to join Celta Vigo. But they have not been successful with the likes of Yuki Kobayashi, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Maik Nawrocki and Auston Trusty, all failing to convince in that role.
Liam Scales seems to be the starter on the left-hand side of the central defensive duo for now. But most fans believe that there is improvement needed in that spot of the pitch.
Is Inamura the right guy for the role? Well, we will only know when we see him in a Celtic jersey. For now, nothing is official, but it does look like negotiations are heading in the right direction. And unless something unexpected happens, he should join the Scottish champions in the near future.
The club have a great recent record when it comes to recruiting players from the J-League. Reo Hatate, Kyogo and Daizen Maeda will go down as club heroes. And while it did not work out for Tomoki Iwata at Parkhead, he has proven himself at Birmingham City. Let's hope that Inamura proves to be a success story as well, if or when the Hoops sign him.