Celtic Loanee Opens Up on “Difficult Situation”

By
Michael Shearer
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Celtic loanee Shin Yamada
18th January 2026; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland: Scottish Cup Football, Auchinleck Talbot versus Celtic; Shin Yamada of Celtic

Shin Yamada has admitted last season was difficult for him after completing a loan move from Celtic to OH Leuven.

The Japanese forward has joined the Belgian side for the 2026/27 campaign as he looks to secure regular football and rebuild his confidence.

Yamada struggled to establish himself during his first season at Celtic before heading out on loan, but he believes the experience still helped him develop.

Speaking to The Herald, he said: “It was a difficult situation for me last season, but now I have gained experience with many players and managers.

“So last season ended up being a positive experience.”

Those comments show Yamada is trying to take something from a challenging year rather than looking back on it entirely negatively.

Celtic loanee Shin Yamada
18th January 2026; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland: Scottish Cup Football, Auchinleck Talbot versus Celtic; Shin Yamada of Celtic

The striker now has a fresh opportunity in Belgium, where he believes the club’s approach will suit his game.

He added: “I’m happy and excited to be here. I think this club is a good fit for me and I can’t wait to start playing for Leuven.

“Leuven showed me their project and I felt their football style was a good fit for me.”

The move should give Yamada the chance to play more regularly after finding opportunities limited at Celtic.

That will be the main priority for both the player and the Hoops, with the forward needing minutes, confidence and a steady run in the side.

Yamada has also set himself a clear target for the season.

He said: “I am confident in my own abilities and I am sure I can score many goals for the club.

“I am looking forward to meeting my teammates and I can’t wait to show the fans what I can do.”

His confidence remains intact despite the difficulties of last season.


For Celtic, the loan gives them the chance to monitor his progress without making a permanent decision on his future.

Yamada in Celtic training kit controls the ball on the pitch during a match warm-up.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 03: Celtic’s Shin Yamada warms up ahead of a William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and St Mirren at the Celtic Park Stadium, on August 03 2025, in Paisley, Scotland. (Photo by Paul Byars / Alamy Live News)

A productive year in Belgium could bring Yamada back into the picture, particularly if he finds the consistency and goals he believes he can deliver.

The move also places him in a new environment where he should have a clearer route to first-team football.

Yamada’s message is a positive one. He accepts his first season did not go to plan, but he now sees Leuven as the right place to restart and prove what he can offer.