Celtic’s summer rebuild could see the club once again turn to the Japanese market, a path that has already delivered rich rewards in Glasgow.
As reported by Dailyrecord.co, the latest name through the door is striker Shin Yamada, signed from Kawasaki Frontale on a four-year contract. His arrival followed defender Hayato Inamura, who joined from Albirex Niigata earlier in the window.
Both follow the trail blazed by Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, and Daizen Maeda—players who not only adapted quickly but became cornerstones of the squad.
The Hoops’ strong links with the J-League are no accident. A well-established scouting structure and data-driven recruitment strategy have given the club confidence that talent from Japan can meet the demands of Scottish football.
Each successful signing strengthens that belief and encourages further investment in the same market.
But Rodgers and his staff are not limiting their search to Asia. Celtic scouts have been spotted across Europe tracking potential targets, hoping to add depth and quality in positions where the squad looks thin.
The need is pressing: balancing the rigours of domestic dominance with the intensity of European competition requires greater strength in numbers.
So far, though, business has been measured. The mix of proven J-League imports and fresh European scouting suggests a recruitment approach that is evolving, yet still rooted in familiar success stories.
With the season looming, Rodgers must turn activity into impact. The framework is there.
Now Celtic need arrivals who can carry the weight of expectation at Parkhead.