Celtic have been extremely busy in the ongoing summer transfer window. Far busier than anybody could have expected, when you consider how they have conducted their business in recent years. And now, it appears that the Hoops could be closing in on their sixth signing, this time adding to their options up front.
Celtic need to add a striker this summer. And a 25-year-old Japanese international forward is the one who they have set their eyes on.
As reported by Sports Hochi (via The Herald), Shin Yamada has agreed to join Celtic. He will officially do so when free of national team commitments. Japan's final game in the tournament will come against South Korea on July 15.
Yamada currently plays for Kawasaki Frontale in the J-League. He also made his debut for the Japan national team recently.
'Agreed' - Celtic set to complete sixth summer signing
Yamada has not been in great form in recent times, only managing to score twice in the league so far this season. So, it has raised many eyebrows that the Hoops want to sign him this summer.
At 25 years of age, he is not a reliable goalscorer. Is that what this Celtic team needs right now? It certainly does not feel so.
Then again, Yamada did score 19 goals in the league last season. So, the talent is clearly there. Now, it is about finding the consistency.
To be honest, Celtic have a pretty good record when it comes to identifying talents in the J-League. Names like Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda, Kyogo and more have done well at Parkhead over the years. Could Yamada join that list one day? Let's see what the future holds. It would be wrong to count anybody out before they have gotten the chance to show what they are capable of in the green and white.