Tottenham sign teenage Japan defender Koga
Head here to get involved
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Hayato Inamura completes Celtic switch as defender aims to be next Japanese star to shine at Parkhead
Celtic have completed the signing of Japanese defender Hayato Inamura on a four-year deal from J1 League side Albirex Niigata. The 23-year-old becomes Brendan Rodgers ' fifth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan, Callum Osmand and Benjamin Nygren. 'We're delighted to bring Hayato to Celtic and we're looking forward to working with him,' Rodgers told CelticTV. 'He's a young player full of promise and potential. I know that he's delighted to be taking this next step in his career by joining us, and we look forward to welcoming him into the squad.' Inamura is the latest in a long line of Japanese players to have made the move to Glasgow, following in the footsteps of Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda. But it is set-piece specialist Shunsuke Nakamura — who won three Premiership titles at the club under Gordon Strachan — who holds a special place in the new recruit's heart. Confirming he would wear the No 25 jersey previously worn by his hero, Inamura said: 'Many Japanese players have had success at this club. 'Across the world, this is a massive club and is really well known. I am truly excited to be joining Celtic. It's a huge opportunity for me. 'So far, even the current Japanese players have been performing at a high level, I think that is why there are expectations on Japanese players. 'I really want to live up to those expectations and do my best. 'The reason why I chose 25 is because out of the options I was given, that one really stood out to me. 'Then obviously regarding Nakamura, I used to imitate his kicking style when I was a kid. He was one of my favourite players.' Inamura had two years remaining on his contract with J1 League side Albirex Niigata, and had been an ever-present throughout the 2024-25 campaign. Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn is close to completing a £16.5million move to Italian side Como, according to reports. The Parkhead club are poised to make a huge profit on the £3m they paid to sign the German winger from Rapid Vienna 18 months ago. Kuhn, 25, made a slow start to his Celtic career but impressed last season with 21 goals in 51 appearances. Defender Maik Nawrocki is also set to depart, with reports in Germany stating that the centre-back will join German second-tier side Hannover 96 on loan. The Pole signed a five-year contract at Parkhead after arriving from Legia Warsaw in the summer of 2023 in a deal worth £4.3m, but he has been unable to displace Cameron Carter-Vickers or Liam Scales at the heart of Rodgers' backline, making just 18 appearances over two title-winning seasons. And he has now been given the opportunity for a fresh start in Germany, with the loan deal including an option-to-buy clause.
BBC News
3 hours ago
- BBC News
Have your say on new defender Inamura
Celtic have signed Hayato Inamura on a four-year contract after the Japanese centre-half left Albirex Niigata in his 23-year-old said he "used to imitate" fellow countryman and Celtic legend Shunsuke much speculation, he is finally here. Celtic fans, what do you make of his signing?Give us your take here.
Leader Live
3 hours ago
- Leader Live
Marcus Rashford among five players to tell Manchester United they want to leave
It is understood Rashford, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia have all informed United they see their futures lying elsewhere. United have responded by delaying their scheduled return for pre-season training until the end of July to allow them time to find new clubs. Should none of the players secure a new deal elsewhere before the end of the month, they will be welcomed back to Carrington, where they will continue to have full access to medical and training support. PA also understands summer signing Matheus Cunha will be given the number 10 shirt, which had been worn by Rashford, for next season and United have informed the England international's representatives of the decision. Rashford scored four goals in 17 appearances during his time at Villa Park, but the Midlands club decided not to activate the £40million option to buy him. The 27-year-old, who fell out of favour at United under head coach Ruben Amorim, is reportedly keen on a move to Barcelona and does not want a move to London, ruling out the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham. There is also reported interest from Germany, Italy and Saudi Arabia for the player, who has scored 17 goals in 62 appearances for England. Garnacho, who made his first-team debut for United as a 17-year-old in 2022 after joining from Atletico Madrid in 2020, has scored 16 goals in 93 Premier League appearances. But his relationship with Amorim has also deteriorated after he vented his frustration on social media following his omission from United's starting line-up in their Europa League final defeat to Tottenham. The Argentinian has been linked with both Chelsea and Italian champions Napoli. Antony failed to justify his huge price tag at Old Trafford after arriving from Ajax in an £82million deal in 2022, but he rediscovered top form after joining Real Betis on loan in January. Sancho has also endured a difficult spell at United following his arrival from Borussia Dortmund for £73m in 2021. His only appearance for United since his fall out with former boss Erik ten Hag in the summer of 2023 came in the 2024 Community Shield against Manchester City. After spending last season on loan at Chelsea, the Londoners opted to pay a £5m fine rather than sign Sancho permanently for £25m. He has been reported to have held talks with Juventus. Malacia, signed for £13m from Feyenoord in 2022, made three Premier League appearances for United last season before switching to PSV Eindhoven on loan.
