HAYATO INAMURA has sealed his £250,000 four-year deal with Celtic after quitting J-League outfit Albirex Niigata.
The 23-year-old left-sided defender will link up with countrymen Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate and is eager to show he is worthy of joining the Japanese contingent who have been at Parkhead in recent years.
However, Brendan Rodgers insisted the supporters should not be looking for too much too soon from the latest arrival.
COME IN No.25…Hayato Inamura reveals why he chose the iconic number for his shirt. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
The champions’ boss cautioned the new Bhoy is not first-team ready and said: “No, he won’t be. Again, he’s a part of the investment of the club.
“To bring a player in, we’ll assess and see where he’s at. And then it’s whether he stays with the squad or whether he has to go out on loan.
“He’s a young player, full of promise and potential. I know that he’s delighted to be taking this next step in his career by joining us and we look forward to welcoming him.”
Inamura, who will wear the No.25 jersey like his fellow-countryman and former Hoops fans’ favourite Shunsuke Nakamura, 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.
GETTING SHIRTY…former Celtic fans’ favourite Shunsuke Nakamura.
“So far, even the current Japanese players have been performing at 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.”
Inamura added: “The reason why I chose 25 is because out of the options I was given, that one really stood out to me.
“Then obviously regarding Nakamura, I used to imitate his kicking style when I was a kid. He was one of my favourite players.”
Inamura becomes the club’s fifth signing of the summer as he follows Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan, Benjamin Nygren and Callum Osmand to the club.
