Celtic FC Secures Rising Japanese Talent Shin Yamada in Major Summer Transfer Move
Celtic FC completes four-year deal for Japanese international Shin Yamada, adding firepower to their attack as the 25-year-old aims to follow in footsteps of successful Asian stars at Parkhead.
Celtic Park Welcomes New Samurai Sword
Scottish Premiership champions Celtic FC have strengthened their attacking options with the €8m acquisition of Japanese striker Shin Yamada from Kawasaki Frontale. The 25-year-old international put pen to paper on a four-year contract after completing medical tests at Lennoxtown training complex.
Player Profile
- Age: 25
- Previous Club: Kawasaki Frontale (121 appearances, 32 goals)
- International Caps: 4 (Japan debut 2023)
- Playing Style: Versatile forward with 87% duel success rate in 2023 J-League season
Manager Brendan Rodgers told Celtic TV:
"Shin brings explosive pace and clinical finishing - exactly the profile we need for Champions League football. His adaptability to play across the front three makes him a tactical asset."
| Summer Transfer Window Activity | Position | New Signings |
|---|---|---|
| Forward | Yamada, Nygren, Osmand | |
| Defense | Inamura, Tierney | |
| Goalkeeper | Doohan |
Yamada's departure from Kawasaki comes after scoring 9 goals in his last 15 continental appearances, including a memorable brace against Ulsan Hyundai in the AFC Champions League. The striker paid emotional tribute to Frontale supporters:
"Wearing the Celtic jersey worn by legends like Larsson and Nakamura is an honor. I've studied Kyogo's movement for two years - now I want to create my own legacy in Glasgow."
Asian Connection at Parkhead
- Daizen Maeda: 42 goals in 84 appearances
- Reo Hatate: 2022-23 PFA Scotland Team of the Year
- Kyogo Furuhashi: Back-to-back Premiership Golden Boot
With Yamada's arrival, Celtic now boast the largest Japanese contingent in European football. Sports analytics firm StatsBomb rates the transfer as 84/100 for squad impact potential, citing Yamada's 12.3km average running distance per match - 18% higher than current league average.
The deal includes performance-based clauses that could see Kawasaki receive additional €2.5m based on:
- Champions League qualification
- 15+ goal contributions per season
- SPFL title wins
Yamada will wear the No.18 shirt and could make his debut in July's pre-season tour of South Korea and Japan.
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