Celtic have made a start to this summer transfer window that not even the most optimistic of the club's fans would have expected. Kieran Tierney's return was clearly going to happen. But other than that, they have made three more additions to Brendan Rodgers' squad and it looks like more are on the verge of completion.
For a long time, it has been believed that Celtic need to make an addition in the heart of defence. Cameron Carter-Vickers has not had a steady partner for a couple of seasons now, since Carl Starfelt's departure.
While Starfelt himself closes in on a move to Como FC, it looks like Celtic have signed another left-sided centre-back in hopes of finding his successor. This time around, they have turned their attention towards the tried-and-tested J-League, from where they have signed players like Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Kyogo in recent years.
It looks like Hayato Inamura is going to be the next Japanese player to represent Celtic. And after Albirex Niigata's latest statement, the move seems to be only a matter of time. As reported by The Scotsman, a spokesperson wrote:
"We would like to inform you that Hayato Inamura (23), a member of our club, left the team on June 29th in order to complete the necessary procedures and preparations for a transfer to an overseas club. We will notify you of Inamura's future once an official decision has been made."
Official announcement made as Celtic transfer close
Of course, with this statement, there is little doubt that Inamura is going to end up as a Celtic player soon. It is important to keep expectations in check though.
When Kyogo, Hatate and Maeda were signed, they were already some of the J-League's best players. That cannot be said about Inamura, who is playing for a team that is hoping to avoid relegation.
Celtic have proven that they have a good eye for talent although they have often found it difficult to get deals over the line. So, there is hope that the decision to sign Inamura could prove to be a masterstroke in the long run.