Hayato Inarmura

He’s Rocky’s replacement most likely

 

Not a very inspiring looking signing seems like a punt and we are still trying to get rid of that avalanche of punts foisted on the team a couple of years ago by Lawwell Jr.

 

Ah * knows what will be will be

 

I agree..

Every striker from Tynecastle to Livi to Falkirk will all have a big * leaning on him or going wide out to Johnstone's side and whipping balls in like what happened when Scales and Taylor were in for months..

He might prove to be some masterstroke, hopefully he is....but it does seem a bit unnecessary and forced from us..

He looks like he'd be great in a back 3, being the one to find and open up spaces, drive in to it with his speed and ball carrying. Trouble is, we haven't played a back 3 since he's been back

 

This could also work for us. At left back.
He has the height, speed and perfect weight of pass that Taylor lacked,
and he would be superb cover at LB for Tierney at a low cost and low risk.

Maybe Head of Recruitment Paul Tisdale is earning his corn for us after all.

 

I've a weird feeling this guy is gonna do well

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On the 29th, Anthony Joseph, a reporter for the major British media outlet Sky Sports, reported that Albirex Niigata 's defender Hayato Inamura is scheduled to travel to England this week to transfer to Celtic



Inamura graduated from Toyo University, and since last year while still a student there, he has been a key player for Niigata as a special designated player. In addition to playing in 12 league matches, he also contributed to the team's runner-up finish in the Levain Cup. At the same time, he also played in the Kanto University League at Toyo University, and won the All Japan University Soccer Championship (Intercollegiate). In his first year as a professional, he has played 16 games in J1 so far this season, scoring one goal.

　Meanwhile, Sky Sports reported that "Celtic is close to signing Albirex Niigata's CB Hayato Inamura." According to the media and Joseph, Inamura is expected to arrive in England this week, undergo a medical examination, and sign the contract.

　Niigata is in 19th place in the J2 relegation zone, so if Inamura's departure is decided, it will be a big blow.

 

https://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/news/2025/06/30/kiji/20250630s00002179105000c.html?page=


Defender Inamura, whose transfer to Scottish Premier League club Celtic is now certain, was unable to make his final match in Niigata a success. After the match, which was attended by around 20,000 people, he received a scarf towel with the words "LA FAMILIA" written on it, which means family in Spanish, from a supporter, and said, "It's because of this team that we have those supporters, and it's because of those supporters that we're able to play. I'm so grateful."

　Last year, when he was a fourth-year student at Toyo University, he played in official matches as a special designated player. Looking back, he said, "They welcomed me very warmly, even though I was a university student who just appeared out of nowhere," and in the Levain Cup in particular, he was the driving force behind the team's advance to the finals. However, this year, since turning professional, he expressed regret, saying, "It was a disappointing six months in that I couldn't play to my satisfaction as a central player." On this day, he fought hard with exquisite passes, putting his body on the line in defense and offense and defense, but there was something bright in his eyes as he lost with four goals

　conceded. With his left foot feed as a weapon, he has an outstanding presence on the pitch. Even off the pitch, he said, "The most important thing in life is how much I'm evaluated as a person." Before the final of last year's All Japan University Championship, he told his teammates about his experience in the Levain Cup final, saying, "Let's enjoy it because it's the last one," and helped them relax, which led to their first victory. He has been showing his leadership skills without reservation this season, his first year as a professional, and has been relied upon by those around him.

　When he entered university, he set a goal of "getting a professional job offer in the third year and making his debut in the fourth year," and he achieved that goal. On top of that, his goal for this year was to "play in a way that will be competed for in the summer, and at 23 years old, I want to go overseas as soon as possible." Even when the team was in a slump, he continued to maintain a high level of awareness and fight with his feelings at the forefront.

　He is grateful to the supporters who were happy to send him off even in the slump, and is determined to "repay (the kindness I have received) with results. I want to work as hard as I can." He will gain experience overseas and aim to stand on the pitch at the World Cup as a member of the Japanese national team. He will use his experience in Niigata to perform well in a new place

 

This one could go either way. He does look incredibly tidy on the ball for a CB.

 

Apparently his club have already announced his departure

as Japanese clubs tend to do when players are leaving

 

I remember BR signing De Vries cos he was better with the ball at his feet ....

 

I can't think of de Vries without thinking of the Nou Camp

 

Welcome to unemployment

 

Thanks mate appreciate it

 

I get the hesitation about this guy, lack of physicality etc, but I can't help but feel optimistic about him. He's not just 'good on the ball', he looks absolutely brilliant on it. So much so it's well worth the small outlay to see if we can make a success of him.

If not it's no harm done, but in the event he settles well and improves his physical side it could be an inspired signing. Easily worth a bash I'd say.

 

Get a feeling he is very, very well scouter for quite some time. Might be a gem

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The comments on the thing about him leaving are positive

"Hayato Inamura was raised by Niigata!" I can see a future where Niigata supporters proudly declare this. Take good care of yourself to avoid injuries and illnesses, and go wild overseas!"

"Thank you so much It was a short period, but from your first play, I thought you had the potential to be a future Japan national team player. I'm looking forward to seeing you and Takai as center backs for the national team! Go for it and rise to the top!! Please come visit Niigata once in a while "

"The most promising rookie in recent years is taking flight to the world in just half a year... What an incredible era. Wishing you success and growth that surpasses the seniors who soared from Albi to the world. Looking forward to seeing you in the A-team too"

"The long pass with a wide field of vision was captivating. Keep shining in your new place "

"Inamura, I was truly thrilled that you came to Niigata and fought alongside us! Thank you 3️⃣ Go wild on the world stage! Absolutely become a Japan national team member! This year, being able to cheer for you while wearing your uniform was my pride!"

"Thank you for leaving so many things behind in Niigata. From the time of your special designation until today, you were Albi’s one and only player. Please keep showing us who you are! Next, let us see you soar as a member of the Japanese national team with the Hinomaru on. "

"Inamu! I'm expecting a leap that breaks through to no end! Honestly, I'll miss you like crazy, but even so, I'm rooting for your career as a soccer player to soar, and I hope one day you'll be selected for the national team so we can proudly say, "Our Inamura! Raised by Niigata!"

"It’s finally happened, huh… Inamu, this year I bought your uniform and cheered for you with all my heart. Honestly, with the current team situation, I don’t want you to go, but please become a Japan national team player and a great man! Thank you so much! I LOVE YOU, • Inamura Hayato‼︎"

"Thank you for fighting while wearing the emblem of Albirex Niigata! I have no regrets about buying your jersey this season, and I believe it will become a family heirloom as the team rises! I hope you take pride in your decisions and charge forward. I'll always be cheering for you."

"Inamu's long passes and central breakthrough dribbles were indispensable to Albi. Please come back to Albi when you return to Japan!!"

"I was prepared, but I ended up crying at the official release. Thank you for fighting for Niigata, Inamu. I wanted to win and celebrate together even more. I also wanted to show you Planeta Swan at yesterday's Machida match. I'll keep cheering for you forever and ever so that your goals come true. Please don't forget about Niigata, about Albi, even if it's just in a small corner of your heart."

"Thank you, Inamu Keep stepping up, and I'm looking forward to the day you shine on the national team ♩ Until then, don't come back, lol And when you do, please make it Niigata "

"The time has finally come… Thank you so much for everything until now. The days I could cheer for Inamu were irreplaceably precious to me. I know it’s a tough world out there, but I’m looking forward to seeing you shine. I’ll be waiting to see you play for the national team!!!"

"Your thrilling play was absolutely amazing! I'm excited to see you grow and shine even more on the world stage! ✨ Here's to proving that my decision was the right one! Also, come back to the stadium or visit Niigata for fun during the off-season (lol)."

"Thank you for leading us to last year's J.League Cup final! I won't forget that Inamura was with Albirex! I'm glad you fought for Albirex! I look forward to seeing you shine at a prestigious club and for the Japanese national team! Thank you very much!"

"Inamura選手 We support your overseas challenge Please come back someday wearing the same uniform, representing Japan! We expect you to pour your heart and soul into shining brightly Thank you so much for choosing Albi"

"I knew Inamura will probably go overseas in the summer, so I thought this was the only year I could buy a uniform, and I’m glad I chose it. I’m proud to have your uniform.
Since you’re going overseas, make it to the World Cup next year!!"

"That left-footed pass that electrified us, now go electrify the world!! Your passing was truly a work of art. Keep pushing forward. We'll always be cheering for you!!"

"Inamu, thank you. The long and short passes delivered from your left foot swept us into a whirlwind of excitement! The fighting spirit you showed us will be carried on by the remaining players and supporters, ensuring we stay in the league! We look forward to the day when Inamu soars on the world stage, proudly bearing the Hinomaru!"

"Although his actual tenure was only a few months, despite being a specially designated player since his university days, he managed the tough schedule of university leagues, J League, and Levain Cup, and I have nothing but gratitude for that."

"It’s sad, but when they play in the national team match, I want to loudly say, “This kid was with Albi, you know?” See you later"

"No matter the situation, don't give up and keep pushing forward with those jaw-dropping vertical passes instead of settling for a team that immediately plays back passes—go fight on the world stage!!"

 

Quite a lot of comments about how good his passing was, long and short. Also his dribbling ability. You could see it in the videos how easy he found it with his pace and ability on the ball to go by people and beat a press with that or his passing..

Hopefully we can brush up the defensive side of his game..