Celtic sign Japanese centre-back Inamura

Celtic have signed Hayato Inamura on a four-year contract after the Japanese centre-half left Albirex Niigata in his homeland.

The 23-year-old has spent less than a year with the J-League club after joining from Tokyo University.

Inamura has made 36 appearances for the Niigata club, including 17 this season - all but two of them starts.

"He's a young player full of promise and potential," said Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.

"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 into the squad."

Albirex, who finished 16th in the 2024 J-League, sit second bottom of the table after 22 games following their 4-0 weekend defeat by eighth-placed Machida Zelvia.

Afterwards, Inamura announced it was his final game, telling the club website: "I am sorry to have made this decision when the team is in a difficult situation.

"I know not everyone will be happy to see me off, but I will fight with all my might so one day everyone will think this decision was the right one and feel proud."