JAPANESE international striker Shin Yamada has sealed his £1.3million four-year switch to Celtic from Kawasaki Frontale.
The 25-year-old frontman became Brendan Rodgers’ sixth summer signing as he follows compatriot Hyato Inamura, returning hero Kieran Tierney, Swedish winger Benjamin Nygren, former Fulham forward Callum Osmand and goalkeeper Ross Doohan.
Yamada is eager to get started at the champions and said: “It is a huge honour for me to be here as a Celtic player and I can’t wait to begin my time at this amazing club.
THUMB’S UP…Shin Yamada is all smiles as the striker seals his move to Celtic.
“Celtic is one of the top names in world football. I have already watched my countrymen such as Daizen, Reo and Kyogo do so well at the club and I will aim to have the same impact.
“I am my own player, though and I am ready to face all my own challenges directly.”
Yamada, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “I want to do so well. I know that Celtic Park is one of the best places in the world to play football with the best supporters around and I will do everything I can to make my new fans proud of me.
“I promise I will give everything I have to bring our fans success.”
Yamada, who recently gained his first cap for Japan, scored 32 goals in 121 appearances for Reo Hatate’s former club Kawasaki Frontale.
BRING IT ON…Shin Yamada is ready to impress Celtic fans. Images courtesy Celtic TV.
Boss Brendan Rodgers added: “I am really pleased that we have brought Shin to the club.
“He is a strong player who can score goals and create goals for others and I think he is someone who can definitely add an important dimension to our forward line.
“I know he is really keen to make his mark here in European football and deliver for Celtic and I think he is someone who has the power, athleticism and intensity in his play to do really well for us.
“I look forward to working with him.”
Despite the arrival of Yamada, Hoops gaffer Rodgers will continue his pursuit of attacking options as the kick-off to the Premiership comes up fast with St Mirren due at Parkhead for the opener two weeks tomorrow.
Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha remains high on the manager’s wishlist with the Belgians ready to lower their £5million demands while the Hoops remain silent on Romania raider Louis Munteanu, with the 25-year-old Cluj ace being tracked by teams in France.
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