Celtic-linked defender Hayato Inamura opened the scoring for Albirex Niigata as they took on Avispa Fukuoka in the J-League yesterday.
The Herald revealed last week that the Scottish Premiership champions are working on a deal for the 23-year-old, who primarily plays as a left-sided centre-back but can also provide cover at left full-back.
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His team travelled to face Avispa Fukuoka in the Japanese top flight this weekend, and although they eventually lost by three goals to two, Inamura opened the scoring four minutes in with an emphatic strike:
Hayato Inamura scored for Albirex Niigata a moment ago. pic.twitter.com/W8FrmDvJkg
— Yuri (@yurixlax) June 21, 2025
It was the defender's first goal of his senior football career.
After a potential move for Inamura emerged last week, it has since been reported that Celtic are interested in another J-League talent.
Indeed, The Scottish Sun reports that the Parkhead club, along with a host of other European sides, have watched Kawasaki Frontale striker Shin Yamada ahead of a potential summer move.
The 25-year-old scored 19 times in the Japanese top flight last season and helped his side reach the final of the AFC Champions League, where they eventually lost out to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli. He is rated at around the £1.5m mark.
The J-League has been a well-utilised market by Celtic in recent years, with Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi all excelling during their time in Scotland.
