HAYTO INAMURA has left Celtic on a permanent deal to FC Tokyo, a move CQN forecast over THREE weeks ago.
The Japanese left-back arrived in the summer along with striker Shin Yamada, but both failed to impress and were loaned out at the turn of the year.
Twenty-four-year-old Inamura headed back to his homeland with the Tokyo outfit and the Hoops have now confirmed the switch will be full-time.
The champions announced on X: “Thank you and all the very best, Hayato.
“Wishing Hayato Inamura every success as he joins FC Tokyo.”
BEST WISHES…Celtic break the news of Hayato Inamura’s move on social media.
The defender made only one first-team appearance – the 3-0 Premiership win over Livingston at Parkhead in August.
Game time was restricted with the return of fan favourite Kieran Tierney after his six-year exile and Inamura felling further down the pecking order when Uruguayan international Marcelo Saracchi agreed a season-long loan contract from Boca Juniors.
After joining FC Tokyo, the versatile back-four performer who can also play centre-half, made 17 appearances.
Inamura, speaking on his new team’s official site, confirmed: “I have joined the club on a permanent transfer and will be playing for FC Tokyo from next season onwards.
“I am determined to give my all so that I can become part of Tokyo’s history.
“I believe that if we keep building on our progress whilst savouring the joy of wearing this blue and red kit, we will certainly achieve our goals. Let’s win the title.”
Misfit marksman Yamada is also on his way back after his temporary stay at German minnows Preussen Munster, but, like his compatriot, he will find there is no place at Celtic in Martin O’Neill’s plans for the club.
