Inamura joy as he follows childhood idol to Celtic

Anthony Brown

5 Jul 2025 - The Scotsman

Hayato Inamura revealed his delight at getting the chance to follow in the footsteps of his childhood idol, Shunsuke Nakamura, after the Japanese defender joined Celtic on a four-year deal from Albirex Niigata in his homeland.

The 23-year-old will link up with fellow countrymen, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate in the Parkhead dressing-room.

Inamura has chosen to wear the no. 25 jersey donned by midfielder Nakamura during his glittering fouryear stint with the Glasgow club between 2005 and 2009.

The new recruit 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. Even the current Japanese players have been performingat 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. Regarding Nakamura, I used to imitate his kicking style wheniw as a kid. He was one of my favourite players ."

Inamura becomes Celtic's fifth signing of the summer after the arrivals of goal keeper Ross Doohan, left back Kieran Tierney and forwards Benjamin Nygren and Callum Osmand. Manager Brendan Rodgers said: "We're delighted to bring Hay a to to celtic. he' s a young player full of promise and potential.”

Two players are close to departing Celtic, with Polish defender Maik Nawrocki set to join Hannover and German winger Nicolas Kuhn poised for a move to Como.