Celtic’s interest in Japan’s top players shows no signs of slowing, with Albirex Niigata defender Hayato Inamura the latest name attracting attention from Glasgow.
With growing talk of another J.League arrival at Celtic Park, Inamura’s recent comments offer a clear glimpse into a player motivated by high standards and international aspirations.
He said: (Nikkan Sports), “I have high expectations of myself. I’m the type of person who is never satisfied.
“I feel like my soccer career is finally beginning. In order to go even bigger from here, I need to work harder than ever and have even higher aspirations.
“In the near future, there will be the World Cup. I definitely want to make the Japanese national team there and wanting to play overseas.”
If Inamura does make the move, he’d be the latest in a strong line of Japanese players to join Celtic, following the likes of Kyogo, Reo Hatate, and Daizen Maeda. The club has done well finding and improving players from the J.League in recent years.
Brendan Rodgers is thought to be looking to add to his defence this summer, especially on the left. Inamura’s ability to play both centrally and wide, along with his tidy play on the ball, seems to match what Celtic are after.
The 23-year-old has come through steadily at Albirex Niigata and is seen as someone ready for the step up to European football. If he does arrive in Glasgow, he’ll need to adjust quickly to the pace and physical side of the Scottish game.
Supporters will be keeping an eye on how things develop as the summer window rolls on. Nothing is confirmed yet, but going by Inamura’s recent comments, a move overseas looks close, and Celtic may be the club to make it happen.
