NafisaAs Celtic continue putting the finishing touches on preparations for another demanding campaign, activity away from the pitch remains just as important as any incoming signing.
Martin O’Neill and the recruitment team have spent much of the summer evaluating every member of the squad, deciding who fits into the club’s long-term vision and who would benefit from moving elsewhere.
Supporters have naturally been eager for transfer breakthroughs involving new arrivals, but departures have quietly become an equally significant part of the club’s rebuilding process. Every completed deal creates more flexibility within the squad while allowing players to pursue regular football elsewhere.
With pre-season now gathering pace, Celtic have moved to finalise another piece of transfer business that has been expected for several months.
The deal has now officially been completed.
Hayato Inamura has sealed his permanent transfer to FC Tokyo after Celtic confirmed the move just hours ago.
The Scottish champions announced the defender’s departure on their official social media channels, bringing an end to his short spell at Parkhead.
The club posted:
“Thank you and all the very best, Hayato. Wishing Hayato Inamura every success as he joins FC Tokyo.”
Although his time in Glasgow proved brief, the transfer officially closes another chapter of Celtic’s ongoing squad reshuffle ahead of the new season.
Inamura originally arrived from Albirex Niigata as a promising defensive prospect, with the Hoops viewing him as a player capable of developing over time.
However, first-team opportunities remained difficult to secure, and the Japanese defender returned to his homeland earlier this year on loan with FC Tokyo.
Following a successful spell back in the J1 League, the Japanese club have now completed a permanent agreement to secure his services.
Defender Delighted To Complete Permanent Move
After finalising the transfer, Inamura expressed his happiness at remaining with FC Tokyo on a full-time basis.
Speaking through the club’s official website, he said:
“I’m happy to be joining FC Tokyo on a permanent transfer and will be playing for them from next season onwards.
“I’m determined to fight to become a part of Tokyo’s history.
“I believe that if we continue to work hard while feeling the joy of wearing this blue and red uniform, we can definitely achieve our goals.
“Let’s win the championship!”
Celtic Continue Summer Squad Reshuffle
For Celtic, the completed transfer represents another important step as Martin O’Neill continues shaping his squad before competitive football resumes.
Competition across the defensive positions has remained fierce, with several established players already ahead of Inamura in the pecking order.
The return of Maik Nawrocki from his loan spell has only strengthened Celtic’s defensive options further, leaving limited opportunities for the 24-year-old to break into the senior squad.
Rather than continue fighting an uphill battle for minutes, all parties have agreed that a permanent move offers the best solution.
The deal provides Inamura with the chance to enjoy regular football in familiar surroundings, while Celtic free up another squad place as attention increasingly shifts towards strengthening key areas before the transfer window closes.
Although his Parkhead career never truly gathered momentum, both club and player now move forward with a permanent agreement that appears to suit everyone involved.
Nafisa
