Celtic are reportedly eyeing a move for an impressive defender in the summer transfer window, as Brendan Rodgers looks to perfect his squad for a chance at Champions League glory.
Celtic eyeing signings after Rodgers admission
Back in April, Rodgers made it clear that a busy summer was needed at Parkhead, even though his side were once again coasting towards the Scottish Premiership title.
“We always want to improve the team, improve the hunger in the team. Because one of the ways to succeed and guard across what I’ve been talking about, is you need the freshness. It’s either that or the manager goes. It’s as simple as that. You cannot be at a club for a long period of time with the same group of players. And, likewise, the same group of players need a different voice maybe. But, at this moment, it will be about improving the squad.”
Celtic continue to be linked with potential signings to bolster their chances of further success in Europe, with a move for Nordsjaelland attacker Benjamin Nygren thought to be on the verge of being completed.
Meanwhile, a reunion with former striker Odsonne Edouard has also been mooted, having been loaned out to Leicester City by Crystal Palace last season. The 27-year-old scored 87 goals in 179 appearances during his first stint at Celtic, and given his age, he could be an excellent signing this summer.
Celtic eyeing surprise move for defender
According to The Herald‘s reliable journalist Stephen McGowan, Celtic are “working on a surprise move” for Japanese defender Hayato Inamura. The 23-year-old currently plays for J-League side Albirex Niigata as a left-sided centre-back, but he can also play on the left side of a back four, which is a bonus in terms of squad depth.
Inamura isn’t a household name like Edouard, but that’s not to say that he couldn’t be a shrewd acquisition by Celtic ahead of next season.
At 23, the Japanese talent is a young player who is still improving, so the Hoops could be getting his best years, potentially even keeping him for a decade if he proves that he is up to the challenge of consistently performing for one of the biggest clubs in Britain.
Inamura has made 33 appearances for Albirex Niigata, and given Celtic’s penchant for signing Japanese players throughout their recent history, they should be trusted in seeing him as a sensible signing.
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His versatility is a clear positive, allowing him to flourish in two different positions – the fact that he is left-footed also adds balance to the squad – and while he may not be a regular starter from the off, he could be a solid squad option who can develop into a key man over time.
