NafisaWith pre-season preparations continuing and Martin O’Neill evaluating every corner of his squad, Celtic remain active behind the scenes as they finalise several important decisions ahead of the new campaign. While supporters have understandably focused on potential arrivals, departures are also playing a significant role in shaping the club’s plans for the months ahead.
The Hoops are expected to streamline the squad before competitive action resumes, allowing O’Neill to work with a more balanced group capable of competing on multiple fronts. Several fringe players have already seen their futures resolved, while others continue to await clarity over where they will be playing next season.
As Celtic continue refining the squad, one player whose future had largely been settled for several months has now officially completed his exit from Parkhead.
Hayato Inamura’s brief Celtic journey has officially come to an end after the club confirmed his permanent transfer to FC Tokyo.
Celtic announced the defender’s departure via X on Friday, posting:
“Thank you and all the very best, Hayato. Wishing Hayato Inamura every success as he joins FC Tokyo.”
The move officially concludes a spell in Glasgow that never fully developed for the Japanese defender.
Inamura originally arrived from Albirex Niigata as an inexpensive signing viewed as a longer-term project rather than an immediate first-team solution.
However, opportunities under the first-team setup proved difficult to come by, leading to his return to Japan earlier this year on a temporary loan with FC Tokyo.
That loan arrangement has now been converted into a permanent transfer, allowing the defender to continue his career in the J1 League.
Speaking to FC Tokyo’s official website following confirmation of the deal, Inamura expressed his excitement about the next chapter.
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!”
Competition At Celtic Made Progress Difficult
From Celtic’s perspective, the transfer brings closure to a move that always appeared to be more about future development than instant first-team involvement.
The 24-year-old found it difficult to establish himself during his time in Scotland, with fierce competition across the defensive positions limiting his chances of breaking into the senior squad.
His return to Lennoxtown this summer would likely have offered little change to that situation.
Celtic already possess several options capable of operating both at centre-back and left-back, while Maik Nawrocki has also returned following his own loan spell away from the club.
Those circumstances made Inamura’s pathway into O’Neill’s plans increasingly complicated.
For the player, a permanent switch back to Japan offers greater stability and, more importantly, the opportunity to play regular first-team football.
Meanwhile, Celtic continue their summer restructuring, gradually resolving the futures of squad members before attention fully shifts towards strengthening the team for another demanding campaign.
Nafisa
