Pursuit of Inamura proves Hoops will still turn Japanese

NOT many would have expected Celtic to dip back into the Japanese market that proved so successful under Ange Postecoglou.

- By Michael Gannon

The Aussie manager had in-depth knowledge of the market out there from his time at Yokohama F Marinos, but once he left Glasgow it was assumed Celtic would return to transfer zones closer to home.

But clearly the Hoops have retained a keen interest in the Far East with Niigata defender Hayato Inamura popping up as a potential summer target.

Perhaps the 23-year-old saw it coming. After all, the youngster has previous for prophecy.

A promising kid in the Japanese high school soccer set-up, Inamura was snapped up by Yoto University and soon began playing in the senior side while still in his first year.

His coach, Takuya Inoue, got the teenager to write down his goals for the next few years.

It’s a management tactic Brendan Rodgers uses as well and Inamura wrote: “I will get a job offer from a club in my third year and make my debut in my fourth year.”

Sure enough, mystic Inamura was spot-on.

Niigate came in for him during his third year and he was a designated rookie for the J-League outfit just 12 months later.

Another year on and he’s a man in demand - and Celtic are in the hunt.