Celtic complete signing of J-League defender Hayato Inamura on four-year deal

Celtic have completed the signing of Albirex Niigata defender Hayato Inamura on a four-year deal.

The 23-year-old travelled to Glasgow this week after confirming he had played his last game for the J-League side.

He has become Celtic’s fifth summer signing as Brendan Rodgers continues to build his squad ahead of the new season.

Rodgers told the club’s website: “We’re delighted to bring Hayato to Celtic and we’re looking forward to working with him.

“He’s a young player full of promise and potential. I know that he’s delighted to be taking this next step in his career by joining us, and we look forward to welcoming him into the squad.”

Inamura told Celtic TV: “Many Japanese players have had success at this club. Across the world, this is a massive club and is really well known. I am truly excited to be joining Celtic. It’s a huge opportunity for me.

“So far, even the current Japanese players have been performing at a high level. I think that is why there are expectations on Japanese players. I really want to live up to those expectations and do my best.

“The reason why I chose 25 is because out of the options I was given, that one really stood out to me.

“Then obviously regarding Nakamura, I used to imitate his kicking style when I was a kid. He was one of my favourite players.”

The Scottish champions have already added Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan, Benjamin Nygren, and Callum Osmand to the roster as they look to make it five league titles in a row and make another assault on the Champions League.

They will enter the top competition at the play-off stage with their first games to be played in August.

Inamura played 17 games for Niigata this season, with the club currently sitting in 19th place in the Japanese top tier.

Japan has proven to be a fruitful market for the Hoops, with the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, and Reo Hatate all helping to bring success to the club in recent years.

The defender is the ninth Japanese player to play for Celtic.

His signing was announced before the Hoops take on Queen’s Park in a friendly on Friday.