Celtic approve striker’s move to German club after Hearts draw

Shin Yamada has completed a January exit from Celtic, with the forward departing the club on loan until the end of the season. The Japanese attacker has joined Preußen Münster, who currently sit 15th in the 2. Bundesliga, as he looks to reignite his campaign away from Glasgow.

The move is designed to give Yamada the regular first-team football that proved difficult to come by during the opening months of his Celtic career. He arrived at Parkhead in the summer from Kawasaki Frontale, the same club that previously supplied Reo Hatate, but has yet to make a comparable impact in green and white.

Yamada made 12 appearances for the Hoops across all competitions, often featuring from the bench, but failed to register a goal or an assist. While there were flashes of pace and intelligent movement, he struggled to impose himself consistently or force his way into Brendan Rodgers’ preferred attacking options.

Celtic sources maintain that the loan spell is viewed as an opportunity rather than a setback. Regular football in Germany is expected to aid his development and provide a clearer indication of whether he can play a meaningful role at Celtic Park in the longer term. The coming months could prove decisive for a player still adapting to European football.

Preußen Münster, meanwhile, will hope Yamada can add energy and attacking depth as they battle to climb away from the lower reaches of the table in Germany’s second tier. The Scottish champions will monitor his progress closely.

Attention now turns back to Celtic’s own recruitment plans, with the January window entering its final stretch. The club are expected to add to their squad, although wholesale changes are not anticipated. Another striker remains a possibility, while a winger and a centre-back are understood to be areas of focus.

Martin O’Neill has acknowledged that he does not expect three or four new arrivals before the deadline, suggesting Celtic’s business will be targeted rather than extensive as they look to strengthen for the challenges ahead.