Celtic are reportedly closing in on the signing of Albirex Niigata centre-back Hayato Inamura to bolster their options at the heart of the defence ahead of next season.
The 23-year-old defender, who can also operate as a left-back when needed, is set to undergo a medical this week before being unveiled as a new signing.
Brendan Rodgers already has Auston Trusty and Liam Scales as first-team options in the left-sided centre-back role, though, and Kieran Tierney as the first-choice left-back.
This means that Inamura, who has started 15 games in the J1 League this year, could come in as a back-up option initially, with a view to developing into a key performer in the future.
Celtic sign new striker
As well as closing in on a move for Inamura, the Scottish Premiership champions have already completed a deal to sign a new centre-forward.
Celtic have officially confirmed the arrival of Callum Osmand from Premier League side Fulham, as his contract with the Premier League team is due to expire this week.
The 19-year-old star has put pen to paper on a four-year contract with the Scottish giants, and is now set to compete with Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah for a place in the side next season.
Osmand did not make a single senior appearance for Fulham during his time with the Cottagers, but did rack up an impressive haul of 20 goals in 35 matches at U21 level.
Celtic could land an even more exciting than both Osmand and Inamura, though, if they swoop to sign Peterborough United full-back Harley Mills.
Why Celtic should sign Harley Mills
With both Osmand and Inamura, the Hoops are clearly looking to pad out their squad depth with promising young players who can start as back-ups, but with the potential for them to develop into stars.
They must follow that trend by pursuing a deal for Mills, whom they reportedly made an approach for earlier this summer, as he could be an excellent addition to the team.
The 19-year-old left-back, who scored a “jaw-dropping” free-kick in the EFL Trophy final, would come in with more first-team experience than Osmand, who has not played a single senior game to date, having played 20 times for Peterborough to date.
He would also arrive with a more exciting profile than Inamura, who is a central defender who has scored one goal and provided one assist in his senior career in Japan, as a left-back who can provide quality in the final third.
|
24/25 EFL Trophy |
Harley Mills |
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
6 |
|
Sofascore rating |
7.25 |
|
Goals |
2 |
|
Key passes per game |
1.2 |
|
Big chances created |
1 |
|
Tackles + interceptions per game |
3.2 |
|
Duel success rate |
67% |
As you can see in the table above, Mills produced fantastic performances for the Posh on their run to winning the EFL Trophy in the 2024/25 campaign, with 3 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in six matches, whilst winning the majority of his duels.
These statistics suggest that the teenage talent could be a left-back who can provide quality at the top end of the pitch whilst also being solid and reliable defensively, as an exciting understudy to Tierney.
Therefore, Mills could be a great addition to the squad as depth at the back for Rodgers, whilst having the potential to replace the Scotland international in the future.
Based on his performances for Peterborough at senior level, delivering in the biggest stadium in England, he would arrive with more proven quality in than Inamura and Osmand, which could make him a more exciting signing for the club if they decide to swoop for him.
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