EXCLUSIVE — Celtic set for big money transfer deal as ‘agreement’ reached on 24-year old Star’s transfer move

Celtic’s transfer strategy has often revolved around identifying undervalued talent, developing players, and either integrating them into the first team or generating a healthy return in the market.

Over the years, that model has delivered mixed results. While some arrivals have gone on to become key figures at Parkhead, others have found opportunities harder to come by, particularly when competition for places is fierce and immediate success is expected.

With Martin O’Neill preparing for another important campaign and recruitment plans continuing behind the scenes, movement in both directions is expected throughout the summer window.

Several fringe players are already seeing their futures reviewed as the club looks to streamline the squad ahead of the new season.

One player who appears to have reached the end of his Celtic journey is a defender who arrived with promise but never quite managed to establish himself in Glasgow.

Celtic have reportedly reached an agreement to part ways with summer recruit Hayato Inamura just one year after his arrival, according to fresh reports.

The Japanese defender managed only one senior appearance for the club before being sent out on loan in January, just six months after signing a four-year contract.

Inamura, 24, joined Celtic from Albirex Niigata for a fee believed to be around £250,000 but found it difficult to break into the first-team picture at Parkhead, eventually securing a temporary move to FC Tokyo.

Now, according to reports emerging from Japan, Celtic have agreed terms with Tokyo to make the transfer permanent in a deal worth approximately €1.5million (around £1.3million).

The move would see Celtic secure a sizeable profit on the defender despite his limited involvement at senior level.

For the player himself, regular football was always the priority. During his time away from Glasgow, Inamura openly discussed his disappointment at the lack of opportunities available to him.

He said: “I didn’t expect it to be so tough to get opportunities. I just want to play regularly and show what I can do.”

Should the transfer be finalised as expected, Inamura will leave Celtic having spent only a brief period at the club, but the Scottish champions will still emerge with a healthy financial gain from the deal. With FC Tokyo offering him a clearer pathway to consistent first-team football, the move appears to suit all parties involved.