Celtic are on the verge of securing their second Japanese signing of the summer transfer window, with reports indicating that a £1.5 million deal for Kawasaki Frontale striker Shin Yamada is nearing completion. The 25-year-old forward, who has been a standout performer in the J1 League, is expected to join the Scottish champions after concluding his international duties with Japan at the E-1 Championship in South Korea, which wraps up on July 15, 2025. As Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his attacking options, Yamada’s potential arrival signals Celtic’s continued faith in the Japanese market and their ambition to dominate domestically while making strides in Europe.
A Proven Talent with Room to Grow
Shin Yamada, a product of Kawasaki Frontale’s youth academy, has emerged as one of the J1 League’s most promising strikers in recent years. His breakout 2024 season saw him score 19 league goals, finishing as the third-highest scorer in Japan’s top flight, while also contributing to Frontale’s run to the Asian Champions League final. Despite a dip in form this season, with just two goals in league play, Yamada’s overall record of 32 goals and nine assists in 119 appearances for Frontale showcases his potential. His performances have earned him a first call-up to the Japanese national team for the E-1 Championship, a tournament featuring domestic-based players, highlighting his growing reputation.
Standing at 5 feet 11 inches, Yamada is described as a mobile, two-footed striker with sharp movement and a knack for exploiting space in the final third. While not a physically imposing presence, his technical ability, pace, and intelligent positioning draw comparisons to former Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi, though Yamada brings a slightly more robust frame and versatility. His ability to shield the ball, progress play from deeper positions, and finish from close range makes him an ideal fit for Rodgers’ high-pressing, dynamic system, particularly against low-block defences—a challenge Celtic often face in the Scottish Premiership.
🍀 Celtic are reportedly closing in on the signing of Shin Yamada from Kawasaki Frontale for a fee of £1.5m.
— Japanese Football (@JapaneseFbl) July 10, 2025
Yamada is expected to travel after the conclusion of the EAFF E-1 Championship.
🗞️ @AnthonyRJoseph
📸 JFA pic.twitter.com/hl8OAr57IP
Celtic’s Japanese Connection
Celtic’s interest in Yamada is no surprise given their successful track record with Japanese players. Under former manager Ange Postecoglou, the club tapped into the J-League to sign Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, and Daizen Maeda, all of whom became integral to Celtic’s trophy-laden era. Hatate, in particular, shares a connection with Yamada, having also come through Kawasaki Frontale’s ranks before joining Celtic in January 2022. The Hoops’ scouting network in Asia, combined with their understanding of how to integrate Japanese players into Scottish football, has made Celtic an attractive destination for talents like Yamada.
The departure of Kyogo Furuhashi to Stade Rennais in January 2025, followed by his subsequent move to Birmingham City, left a void in Celtic’s attack. While Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah have shared striking duties, Rodgers has prioritized adding depth and quality up top. Yamada’s reported £1.5 million fee—potentially as low as £600,000 according to some Japanese outlets—represents a low-risk, high-reward investment for a player with 18 months left on his Frontale contract. His match fitness, with the J-League in mid-season, means he could quickly adapt to Celtic’s demands, particularly with crucial Champions League qualifiers on the horizon.
Transfer Timeline and Emotional Farewell
According to Japanese outlet Sports Hochi and Scottish reports, including The Sun and Daily Record, Celtic have agreed a deal for Yamada, with the striker set to undergo a medical in Glasgow after Japan’s final E-1 Championship match against South Korea on July 15. The transfer has gained momentum following Yamada’s emotional display after Frontale’s 2-1 win over Kashima Antlers on July 6, where he was seen with tears in his eyes and exchanging meaningful hugs with teammates. J-League observers on social media noted an “air of goodbye,” with one fan commenting, “He does seem like the type who wears his heart on his sleeve… If he moves, he needs to find his form from last year quickly.”
Yamada has remained tight-lipped about the speculation, telling Japanese outlet Sponichi in June, “Right now I want to do my best in the next game.” However, the consensus among sources is that the move is all but finalized, with Celtic emerging as the frontrunners despite interest from other European clubs. The timing of the J-League’s mid-season break and Yamada’s international commitments aligns perfectly for Celtic to complete the transfer before their pre-season preparations intensify.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Kawasaki Frontale fans have expressed mixed feelings about Yamada’s potential departure. While some praised his contributions, including helping secure the Japanese Cup in 2023 and the Japanese Super Cup in 2024, others urged Celtic to consider other targets, with one fan humorously suggesting, “If you’re picking Yamada, bring back Hatate!” Celtic supporters, meanwhile, are cautiously optimistic. Yamada’s modest goal tally this season has raised concerns, but his 2024 output and stylistic fit have drawn excitement, with fans hopeful he can emulate the success of his Japanese predecessors.
Some skepticism persists, particularly regarding Yamada’s ability to immediately replace Kyogo’s goal-scoring prowess. One X user,@JoostvanderLeij, highlighted Yamada’s “low finishing probability” this season, emphasizing that his passing game, while decent, is secondary to his role as a striker. However, others point to Celtic’s track record of reviving players’ form, noting that Yamada’s youth, affordability, and potential make him a shrewd addition.
What’s Next for Celtic and Yamada?
If the deal is finalized, Yamada will join Hayato Inamura, a 23-year-old defender from Albirex Niigata, as Celtic’s second Japanese signing this summer. The club is also pursuing other targets, including Napoli’s Giuseppe Ambrosino on a potential loan and winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha, as Rodgers aims to build a squad capable of retaining the Scottish Premiership title and competing in Europe. Yamada’s arrival could see him compete with Maeda, Idah, and new signing Callum Osmand for a starting spot, adding much-needed depth.
For Yamada, the move to Celtic represents a chance to follow in the footsteps of Furuhashi, Hatate, and Maeda while testing himself in a new league. His challenge will be to rediscover his 2024 form and adapt to the physicality and tempo of Scottish football. If he succeeds, Celtic may have unearthed another J-League gem, reinforcing their status as a global scouting powerhouse.
As the E-1 Championship concludes and Yamada prepares to bid farewell to Kawasaki Frontale, Celtic fans await confirmation of a signing that could shape their 2025-26 campaign. With a medical reportedly booked and a deal agreed, the Hoops are poised to welcome their latest Japanese star to Paradise.
