Celtic set for major windfall from failed project signing

Celtic appear poised to make a healthy return on Hayato Inamura despite the defender making little impact during his time in Glasgow.

The Japanese full-back arrived at Parkhead last summer from Albirex Niigata in a deal believed to be worth around £250,000. At the time, he was viewed as a development signing with potential for future growth rather than an immediate first-team option.

However, Inamura struggled to establish himself in the senior squad and found opportunities difficult to come by. His spell at Celtic ultimately failed to gather momentum, leaving him among a number of players who arrived with promise but were unable to force their way into Brendan Rodgers’ plans.

The defender was one of several recruitment decisions that attracted scrutiny during Rodgers’ second spell in charge. Alongside fellow Japanese arrival Shin Yamada, Inamura was brought in during a period when supporters were expecting experienced reinforcements following the departures of key figures such as Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kühn.

Despite his limited involvement in Scotland, Inamura’s fortunes have improved since returning to Japan. The 23-year-old spent the season on loan with FC Tokyo and has impressed sufficiently to convince the J-League side to pursue a permanent transfer.

Reports emerging from Asia suggest FC Tokyo are now set to complete a deal worth around €1.5 million (£1.3 million), allowing Celtic to bank a substantial profit on a player who barely featured for the club.

While Inamura may not have succeeded in breaking through at Parkhead, the proposed transfer represents smart business from Celtic’s perspective. A sale in the region of £1.3 million would generate a return of more than five times the fee originally paid for the defender just a year ago.

The move would also provide clarity for all parties. Inamura would secure regular football in familiar surroundings, while Celtic would free up a squad place and recoup a significant profit on an investment that did not work out on the pitch.

According to reports, the deal is expected to be finalised during the current transfer window, bringing a brief and largely uneventful Celtic career to a close while delivering an unexpected financial boost for the Scottish champions.