Celtic's transfer business is starting to pick up pace. The Hoops have already completed four signings, bringing back Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan at the end of their contracts while Isaac English and Benjamin Nygren are fresh faces around Parkhead. It looks like a couple more signings are not far away.
Of course, the first of them is Fulham striker Callum Osmand. The second is a left-sided centre-back who might end up partnering Cameron Carter-Vickers, if things go according to plan.
As reported by Sponichi, Albirex Niigata's Hayato Inamura is set to join Celtic. The clubs have reached an agreement in principle. An official announcement is expected next week. The home game against Machida on the 29th will be his last for the Japanese club.
Inamura is expected to travel to Europe in the upcoming week. He will be signing with Celtic after undergoing his medical.
'Official' - Celtic reach agreement to sign defender
Inamura is set to join Celtic after just 35 appearances at the senior level. It is quite clear that the 23-year-old has been able to make a positive impression during his short stint at Albirex Niigata.
Of course, this is not the first time that Celtic are signing a Japanese centre-back to partner Carter-Vickers. The fans will be hoping that this time around, the move proves a lot more successful.
Yuki Kobayashi was signed from Vissel Kobe during the Ange Postecoglou era but never really adjusted to the Scottish game. He left in the summer of 2024 after making just seven appearances for Celtic and currently finds himself in the Portuguese second division with Portimonense. Let's hope that Inamura ends up having a much more successful spell at Celtic Park.
It is worth pointing out that, for the most part, Celtic have had great luck with their J-League recruitment. They have brought in players like Kyogo, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda, who will go down as club legends. Hopefully, Inamura will join that list.