Brendan Rodgers Breaks Silence on Hayato Inamura and Shin Yamada: Patience the Key for Celtic’s Japanese Duo

As the dust begins to settle on a busy summer transfer window, Celtic fans have turned their attention toward some of the lesser-seen faces in the squad — namely Japanese signings Hayato Inamura and Shin Yamada, both of whom joined amid quiet excitement and intrigue. Yet, weeks into the 2025/26 campaign, the two have remained notably absent from senior matchday squads, prompting questions over their role at the club and whether they feature in Brendan Rodgers’ immediate plans.

Now, Rodgers has offered a measured update on their situation, providing insight into their development, training performances, and long-term prospects — while also reinforcing the notion that they are not being forgotten, even if they remain on the periphery for now.

A Strategic Move, Not a Short-Term Solution

Celtic’s recruitment model in recent years has been one of the most innovative and internationally-focused in Scottish football. Under the guidance of former manager Ange Postecoglou and continued by the club’s scouting and data departments, Celtic have developed a pipeline into the Japanese market — a strategy that has yielded some tremendous success.

The likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda, and Yuki Kobayashi have all made the journey from the J.League to Glasgow, with mixed but mostly positive results. The signings of Inamura and Yamada over the summer appeared to be a continuation of that strategy: investing in young, high-potential players from a market that Celtic has grown increasingly confident in.

However, unlike Furuhashi or Hatate — both of whom were signed as ready-made first-team options — Inamura and Yamada appear to have been recruited with development in mind, rather than immediate impact. That distinction is important, and Brendan Rodgers made it clear in his recent interview that while they are not currently in his first-team plans, the door remains open.

“The guys are just training hard and well,” said Rodgers, speaking to Celtic TV. “If there’s ever a spot that opens for them, then they’ll be in as fit a condition as they possibly can be. Like I said, there are players in front of those guys. They are good guys that are working very hard. If the opportunity comes for them, then they’ll put themselves in a good place.”

His words were calm, reassuring, and honest — traits that reflect Rodgers’ overall man-management style. But they also hinted at the reality: at this stage, others are ahead in the pecking order, and breaking into Celtic’s first team is no small feat.

Not In the Squad — But Not Out of the Picture

The most immediate evidence of their squad status lies in the fact that neither player was registered for the Europa League group stage. While this doesn’t necessarily indicate that they’re being overlooked long-term, it does suggest that Rodgers and his staff don’t see them as ready for the intensity of European competition just yet.

Adding to that, Inamura was recently seen featuring for the Celtic B team in a domestic cup fixture — a clear sign that the coaching staff are focused on keeping him match-sharp and involved, even if not at the senior level. Playing with the B team allows young or fringe players to stay within the tactical system and maintain competitive rhythm, something Rodgers is known to value highly.

It’s a methodical approach — one grounded in the belief that player development is not a straight line, particularly for those making significant transitions both culturally and athletically. Coming from Japan to the Scottish Premiership represents a major step in terms of physicality, pace, language, and climate. Even previous Japanese signings who eventually thrived at Celtic took time to adapt.

In that context, the treatment of Inamura and Yamada isn’t surprising — in fact, it’s likely part of a deliberate, patient process.

Were They Rodgers’ Signings? Probably Not — But That’s Not the Whole Story

One of the underlying questions surrounding the pair’s arrival is whether Brendan Rodgers actually requested their signings. The timing, coupled with Rodgers’ well-documented preference for experienced, physical, battle-tested players — especially in his second stint at Celtic — suggests the duo were more likely club-driven signings than targets identified personally by the manager.

Rodgers, while known for his tactical acumen, also operates within the framework of Celtic’s wider recruitment structure, which blends data-led scouting with long-term development strategies. It’s very possible that Inamura and Yamada were scouted by the club’s recruitment team with a view to building depth and talent for the future, rather than filling immediate gaps.

That doesn’t mean they’ve been written off. On the contrary, Rodgers appears to be embracing the responsibility of developing them. His comments clearly show an openness to nurturing their talent — when the time is right.

In the modern game, it’s not unusual for managers to work with players they didn’t personally sign. What matters more is how they are integrated, challenged, and prepared for eventual inclusion. Inamura and Yamada may not be Rodgers’ immediate go-to choices, but they are being given time to grow under his watch.

A Logjam of Talent in Their Positions

Part of the difficulty facing both players is simply the depth of Celtic’s current squad, especially in midfield and attack — the likely areas they would feature in.

In the midfield, Matt O’Riley, Callum McGregor, and Reo Hatate remain the undisputed starters when fit, while the likes of Paulo Bernardo, David Turnbull, and Tomoki Iwata provide experienced depth. Up front, Kyogo, Maeda, Abada, and James Forrest offer a wealth of options, with younger players like Rocco Vata and Ben Summers also pushing for game time.

In such a congested squad, the opportunity for untested players to break in can be rare — unless form dips or injuries occur. Rodgers alluded to this, noting that “if there’s ever a spot that opens for them”, the Japanese duo will be ready. That’s not an empty promise — it’s the reality of football at a top club.

Looking Ahead: Still Time to Make Their Mark

It’s still very early in the season, and Celtic’s campaign will only get busier as the fixtures pile up, particularly after the turn of the year. Domestic cup ties, injuries, suspensions, and squad rotation will inevitably create chances for fringe players — and that’s where Inamura and Yamada must be prepared to step in.

If they continue to apply themselves in training and perform well with the B team, there’s every chance they could feature in upcoming league matches, especially in less high-pressure environments or when rotation is needed.

Rodgers’ track record shows he can develop and trust young players — James Maddison, Kieran Tierney, and Harvey Barnes are just a few examples of talents he nurtured at previous clubs. If Inamura and Yamada show they’re ready, they will get their shot.

Supporters’ Patience Will Be Key

For now, supporters eager to see the latest Japanese talents grace the Parkhead pitch will need to be patient. These are long-term projects, not instant headline-grabbers. But Celtic’s investment in them suggests the club sees potential — not just as commercial assets, but as footballers who can one day contribute meaningfully.

In a sport where supporters often demand instant results, it’s important to recognise that not every signing is meant to deliver immediately. Development, adaptation, and timing all play critical roles. And in the case of Inamura and Yamada, those elements are still unfolding.

If anything, Brendan Rodgers’ comments should be seen as a reassurance — that the players haven’t been forgotten, and that their time will come. Until then, all they can do is continue working hard, learning, and preparing for the moment when their number is called.

And when that moment comes, Celtic fans may finally get a glimpse of why the club brought them to Glasgow in the first place.