Celtic’s Hayato Inamura Forces Brendan Rodgers Into Surprise U-Turn After Pre-Season Debut

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted he may need to rethink his plans for Japanese defender Hayato Inamura, following an impressive performance in the club’s pre-season victory over Cork City.

The 20-year-old, who signed with Celtic last week, was initially viewed as a developmental prospect likely to be sent out on loan for game time. However, after just one outing in green and white, Rodgers is reconsidering.

Rodgers Admits Inamura “Surprised” Him

Speaking after the 4-1 win in Ireland, Rodgers confessed that Inamura’s quality on the ball and forward-thinking mindset had exceeded his expectations.

“100 per cent. I’m not fixed on it,” Rodgers told Sun Sport when asked if Inamura had changed his mind.

“The plan was to bring him in, see how he does in pre-season, thinking he may need to go out and play. But I always judge players in pre-season on how they look and if they’re capable.”

The Celtic boss continued to praise Inamura’s technical qualities, adding:

“He’s so smooth with the ball. Not only that, he plays forward. His comfort on the ball and willingness to attack is really good. He’s got a good size as well.”

From Youth Prospect to First-Team Contender?

When Inamura signed, Rodgers strongly suggested the defender would head out on loan, especially with fierce competition in the Celtic backline. But now, the Japanese starlet could remain at Celtic Park to compete for a spot at left-back, particularly with Kieran Tierney expected to rejoin the squad.

Despite being a natural central defender, Inamura has shown flexibility drifting forward confidently and looking composed under pressure. His performance against Cork, albeit against modest opposition from the League of Ireland, clearly made an impression on the coaching staff.

What’s Next for Inamura?

With several pre-season matches still to come, Inamura will have further opportunities to prove he belongs in Rodgers’ plans for the 2024/25 campaign. His versatility and early composure could make him a valuable squad player, especially as Celtic face domestic and European commitments.

Should Inamura continue to impress, a loan move may no longer be on the table, and Rodgers could be set to integrate him directly into the first team rotation a rapid rise for a player who arrived in Glasgow just days ago.

Final Word

While it’s early days, Hayato Inamura’s debut has already sparked a shift in Celtic’s transfer thinking. If he continues on this trajectory, the defender might just become the surprise package of pre-season and a key name to watch in the season ahead.