Celtic have had some great luck when it comes to signing players from the J-League. The likes of Kyogo, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda will go down as club legends one day. The Hoops will be hoping that Hayato Inamura follows that same path once he settles in European football. And now, it looks like the club are close to signing another Japanese player.
Celtic need to strengthen in the final third of the pitch, whether it be up top or on the flanks. If speculation is accurate then they are now getting close to signing a J-League striker, despite his rough patch of form.
As reported by The Scottish Sun, Celtic are targeting two strikers and a £1.5 million deal for Shin Yamada has moved closer. The Hoops are keen on the Kawasaki Frontale striker and could conclude a move this week.
Yamada is going through a tough campaign and has managed to score just two goals in 21 J-League appearances. So, Celtic's interest in him does come as a surprise. Then again, he did manage to score 19 times in the previous campaign.
Celtic close to signing another J-League player out of nowhere
Yamada would probably be another project signing for Celtic, just like the move for Inamura. But then, the Hoops do need some first-team ready quality.
Yamada is not the only striker Celtic are trying to sign right now either. They have also made an enquiry for Napoli's Giuseppe Ambrosino. The plan is to sign the Italian youth international on loan with an option to buy clause included in the deal. The player is believed to be keen on the move to Glasgow.
Also, Yamada is not the only player who might be closing in on a move to Celtic right now. Reports in Belgium have suggested that the Hoops are quickly heading towards a deal for Michel-Ange Balikwisha as well, a Belgian winger who has been on the club's radar going back to the previous summer transfer window. Isak Jansson of Royal Antwerp is also on their radar.