Inamura is one for the future not the present | OneFootball

Inamura clearly one for the future. Which makes it all the more important we recruit new players at the back…

Hayato Inamura joins Celtic. Photo Celtic FC

Brendan Rodgers had some interesting words to say on new signing Hayato Inamura regarding his role in the Celtic squad going forward.

The Irishman has suggested that the Japanese defender will be monitored with a possible loan spell on the cards to get his ready for the rigmaroles of life in Scotland.

That would be the ideal scenario as even at 23 the player has limited experience and his frame would suggest he’s not ready for the rough and tumble of the Scottish game.

FC Twente defender Gustaf Lagerbielke, during the match Twente – Bodo Glimt at the Grolsch Veste, FC Twente Stadion for the UEFA Europa League – Knockout phase play-offs – 1st leg season 2024-2025 in ENSCHEDE, Netherlands on 13 februari 2025, photo by Stefan Koops / EYE4images/DeFodi Images

If that is indeed the case then it makes it all the more imperative that we add a couple of new recruits to our ever weakening backline. Gustaf Lagerbielke is about to make a permanent move to Braga whilst Maik Nawrocki has joined Hannover 96 on loan.

Celtic v Hearts, Scottish Premiership 29/03/2025. Maik Nawrocki of Celtic during the match at Celtic Park, on 29 March 2025. Photo Malcolm Mackenzie PSI

Greg Taylor has also ended his six year stay at the club and joined PAOK so it goes without saying that we need reinforcements in the door and fast.

Many believed that Inamura would play second fiddle to Kieran Tierney, but that now seems unlikely so the race will be on to plug that gap before the new campaign kicks off in four weeks time.

Celtic Of course face a UEFA Champions League play-off tie at the end of August and financially speaking those will be the most important matches Celtic has ever played. We simply must be ready for that challenge. No excuses, anything else is unacceptable.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy