Celtic Eyeing Summer Move For This Japanese Attacker: Why He Could Be A Smart Signing | OneFootball

If a report from The Scottish Sun is believed to be true, Celtic continue to explore the Far East market, with Kawasaki Frontale star Shin Yamada being the latest name linked over a Parkhead transfer. He is expected to cost around £1.5m, and the Hoops are now weighing up whether to splash the cash in this summer window.

The 25-year-old centre-forward spent his academy years with Kamoe FC, Suisho SC and Kawasaki Frontale before representing Toin University of Yokohama’s college team between 2019 to 2022. He returned to Frontale in 2023 and secured a regular first-team spot in all competitions. So far, he has netted 32 times and laid on 9 more goals in 119 appearances for Azzurro Nero [stats via Transfermarket], but his form this season has been underwhelming compared to last year’s number.

Yamada has played coy when asked about the Celtic rumours.

Told the attacker (as quoted by The Glasgow Times) who will clash heads with Hayato Inamura in their upcoming fixture. The Albirex Niigata centre-back has also emerged as a transfer target for Brendan Rodgers, and the Celts scouts should keep close tabs on this midweek J1 League outing at Todoroki Athletics Stadium.

SHANGHAI, CHINA – MARCH 5: Jiang Shenglong #4 of Shanghai Shenhua and Shin Yamada #20 of Kawasaki Frontale in action during the AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 first leg match between Shanghai Shenhua and Kawasaki Frontale at Shanghai Stadium on March 5, 2025 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Wang He/Getty Images)

Former boss Ange Postecoglou used his contacts and connections to bring in several Japanese players upon his appointment as the Celtic chief. Kyogo Furuhashi proved to be an instant success high up the pitch, so did Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda, as the duo remain irreplaceable in their respective midfield and attacking roles.

Why The Attacker Could Be A Smart Coup For Celtic

Meanwhile, the champions of Scotland parted ways with Furuhashi in January but opted not to bring in a like-for-like replacement to spearhead the attack. Maeda excelled as a ‘number 9’ despite featuring from the left since plying his trade in Scotland. However, the Samurai Blue international should be restored to his preferred slot amid the long-term injury absence of Jota.

Although they have Adam Idah as the outright striking option, Johnny Kenny might be loaned out for regular gametime, having been on the radar of several British clubs. Yamada’s pace, flair and a strong physical presence in and around the box should see him challenge and cover the Irishman upfront, and it remains to be seen if he could emulate Furuhashi’s footsteps at Celtic Park.