Celtic agree transfer for overlooked player as profit beckons

Celtic have reportedly reached an agreement to part ways with Hayato Inamura just 12 months after the defender’s arrival at Parkhead.

The Japanese centre-back endured a frustrating spell in Glasgow following his move from Albirex Niigata last summer, struggling to establish himself in the first team before eventually being sent out on loan midway through the campaign.

Inamura, 24, arrived at Celtic in a deal believed to be worth around £250,000 and signed a four-year contract, but opportunities proved limited from the outset.

The defender managed only a single senior appearance for the Hoops before sealing a temporary switch to FC Tokyo in January in search of regular football.

Now, fresh reports emerging from Japan suggest Celtic and FC Tokyo have reached an agreement to make the move permanent, with the transfer reportedly valued at approximately €1.5 million — around £1.3 million.

If completed, the deal would hand Celtic a sizeable profit on a player who made minimal impact during his brief spell at the club.

Despite high hopes surrounding his arrival, Inamura found game time difficult to come by at Parkhead and previously admitted his disappointment over his lack of opportunities.

The defender openly acknowledged that he had not anticipated such a difficult battle for minutes and stressed his desire to play regularly in order to showcase his ability.

For Celtic, the move would represent swift business in moving on a player who struggled to break into the manager’s plans, while also recouping a healthy financial return.

Inamura, meanwhile, now looks set for a fresh start back in Japan, where he will hope consistent football can reignite his progress after a challenging year in Scotland.