Shin Yamada’s loan spell at Preußen Münster has not gone as planned, with the Celtic forward struggling for minutes in recent weeks.
The Japanese striker joined the German side during the winter window, arriving at a time when the squad was stretched. Injuries had opened the door, and there was a clear need for options in attacking areas.
Early appearances suggested he would be part of the rotation. He picked up minutes off the bench and was gradually introduced, including one start against Hertha Berlin.
That momentum has not lasted. Yamada has fallen out of the squad in recent matches, with Münster fighting at the bottom end of the table and needing results quickly.
Preußen Münster sporting director Jan Uphues has addressed the situation around Yamada’s lack of minutes in recent weeks.
He said via (TCW), “We had to act back then because we had a lot of injuries.
“Fortunately, everyone is healthy again now, which has created more competition within the squad.
“Shin hasn’t had as many opportunities as he would have wanted recently, but I am certain he will get his chance in the remaining five matches in Bundesliga 2.”
The explanation is clear. Yamada was brought in to cover a problem, and once that problem eased, his place in the squad went with it.
That points to a bigger issue. When a team is bottom of the table and short of goals, a striker has a chance to make himself difficult to leave out. Yamada has not done that. No goals, no assists, and now no place in the squad.
The drop-off in minutes tells its own story. He went from getting short spells to not being involved at all, even with Münster fighting to stay up. That is the stage where managers lean on players they trust.
From a Celtic point of view, this raises real questions. A loan move is meant to build rhythm and prove a player can handle first-team football. That has not happened here.
Looking ahead, it is hard to see a route back into the Celtic squad on this evidence. The level required is higher, and right now he has not shown he can meet it.
The move itself now looks questionable. With limited impact in Germany and no clear role at Celtic, his future at the club looks uncertain as things stand.
