Air of goodbye – Celtic target emotional exit suggests move pending

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The Celtic Star

·6. Juli 2025

Air of goodbye – Celtic target emotional exit suggests move pending

With the J-League heading into a short mid-season break, an intriguing opportunity could be opening up for Celtic to make their move for Kawasaki Frontale striker Shin Yamada — a name that’s been steadily gathering momentum in recent transfer talk.

It’s been noticed by a J-League follower on Social Media, that Yamada was somewhat emotional after his side went into the break with a 2-1 win over Kashima Antlers, with one follower of the Japanese top flight, commenting that could mean Yamada is on the move.

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Was watching Frontale and have to say Shin Yamada came across as very emotional after the game – not full on sobbing like Anderson Lopes after the derby but definitely seemed to have tears in his eyes and some meaningful looking hugs were exchanged.

The 25-year-old attacker, who’s just earned his first senior international call-up for Japan, is perhaps being eyed as a potential addition to Brendan Rodgers’ attacking options. And now, with the Japanese domestic season on pause, the timing may be just right for the Celtic to make their play.

Eagle-eyed J-League followers have picked up on something that might hint at an impending departure. After Frontale’s 2-1 win over Kashima Antlers — their final game before the break — Yamada appeared visibly emotional. One J-League observer on social media commented that while it wasn’t “full-on sobbing like Anderson Lopes after the derby,” the tears and hugs exchanged had the air of a goodbye.

“Did rather come across as though he might be leaving but we’ll see… he does seem like the type who wears his heart on his sleeve,” said one post, adding, “If he moves, he needs to find his form from last year quickly — if he can, he should score goals.”

Was watching Frontale and have to say Shin Yamada came across as very emotional after the game - not full on sobbing like Anderson Lopes after the derby but definitely seemed to have tears in his eyes and some meaningful looking hugs were exchanged... (1)
– Samstag, 5. Juli 2025

Yamada, who has scored just six goals this season, has admittedly seen his form dip after an excellent season last campaign. But the raw talent is there for all to see — his movement, intelligent link-up play, and technical ability mark him out as a player with genuine potential.

That potential has now been recognised on the international stage, with his inclusion in Japan’s squad for a mini-tournament against Hong Kong, South Korea, and China. It’s a domestic-only selection due to the non-FIFA window — but a significant milestone for Yamada nonetheless.

For Celtic, there’s clear strategic logic here, with doubts still hanging over the future of fringe forwards like Johnny Kenny, and new signing Callum Osmand having yet to make his professional debut, never mind his Celtic bow, bolstering the striking options is a certainly possible, although perhaps not a priority. Yamada fits the bill –two footed, technically gifted, and already seasoned in a competitive league that has become a fertile hunting ground for Celtic in recent years.

And while fans shouldn’t expect a deal to be done in the next few days, don’t be surprised if Yamada makes the move to Paradise once his international commitments wrap up.

Celtic may just be biding their time — and when the final whistle blows on Japan’s tournament, that could be the moment to strike.

Niall J

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