Celtic Nears £1.5m Shin Yamada Signing From Kawasaki Frontale

Celtic is set to sign Japanese striker Shin Yamada from Kawasaki Frontale for around £1.5 million after his commitments with Japan’s national team conclude following the E-1 Championship on July 15. Despite a dip in form this season, Yamada impressed with 19 goals in the J.League last year and is seen as a potential replacement for Kyogo Furuhashi, sharing similar playing traits such as movement and pace. This signing would continue Celtic's successful tradition of recruiting Japanese players, following in the footsteps of Kyogo, Daizen Maeda, and Reo Hatate. Alongside Yamada, Celtic is also targeting winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha to strengthen their attacking options, especially after selling Nicolas Kuhn and with Jota sidelined until 2026. Manager Brendan Rodgers has acknowledged ongoing transfer work focused on bolstering the squad's offensive capabilities. The move for Yamada is expected to be finalized soon, with the player arriving for a medical once his international duties end.