BRENDAN RODGERS INAMURA COMMENTS MAY SEEM CONFUSING, BUT HERE’S WHY THEY ACTUALLY MAKE PERFECT SENSE
- BY LIAM CARRIGAN
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Something Celtic have always struggled with, for as long as I have been following the club, is the ability to put out a united, coherent message across the various outlets and media platforms we speak to.
So, of course, the Scottish press, ever eager for any scrap of negativity couldn't wait to leap on the fact that Brendan Rodgers wasn't absolutely definitive in his answer when asked what role new signing Hayato Inamura will play.
Brendan Rodgers Inamura Caution is the Right Move for The Player and For Celtic
Rodgers said, when asked about the Japanese center back’s role at the club: “He’s a very promising young player and we look forward to welcoming him into the squad.”
However, he elaborated further on the move later, after Celtic’s 1-0 win over Queens Park (beating The Spiders isn't for everyone I suppose).
When asked about Inamura possibly going straight into Celtic’s first team Brendan Rodgers said said: “No, he won’t. He’s a part of the investment of the club. We’ll assess and see where he’s at and then it’s whether he stays with the squad or has to go out on loan.”
The thing is though, this same reasoning applies to a multitude of players at Celtic at the moment.
That assessment has clearly already been made about Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke, who are set to join Hanover 96 and Braga respectively.
A lot can happen during preseason though. I spoke last week about the confidence that Callum Osmand exuded in his first interview as a Celtic player last week. Clearly he believes he can push his way into the first team squad ahead of the new season. The next few weeks will determine if that’s the case.
The same applies to Inamura. We’re in the process of selling two of our center backs, and there’s every chance Stephen Welsh will also be heading out the door this summer. That leaves a clear opening for a center back to come into the first team pool.
Then there’s also the fact that we need cover at left back too, with Greg Taylor now settling into his new life in Greece with PAOK Salonika.
To me, this points to Inamura being used as defensive cover.
His signing has raised questions, and prompted much collective signing from fans as we bring in yet another “project signing”.
However, there’s a few things to consider in this.
First of all, the price. Celtic have 250,000 pounds for Inamura. We would struggle to find a player of his profile and potential anywhere in Europe for such a low fee. I've often said that Celtic need to “speculate to accumulate”.
This is one of those moments. We’ve snapped up a player for next to nothing, who could be worth 20 times that amount in a year or two if it goes well at Celtic.
Even if Inamura goes the same way as Yuki Kobayashi, and I’ve already outlined why I don’t think that will happen, surely we’ll still get back more than 250,000 for the player.
There’s no such thing as a risk free investment in football, but this is probably as close as you’re going to get.
Also, if you’re a Celtic fan concerned about the lack of first team ready signings, then shouldn't it be seen as a positive that the manager has already made it abundantly clear that he knows Inamura isn't the immediate answer, and is still looking to strengthen.
The reality is, Celtic’s transfer activity will also have to be a blend of first team signings and those with development potential.
I see a gap for Inamura to establish himself in the first team squad this season, with the departures mentioned above. However I also expect us to sign more defensive players over the next few weeks.
Rodgers said as much yesterday when speaking about Nicholas Kuhn’s imminent departure. He added: “the money is there, but it's about finding the right players.”
So long as that remains the case, I don’t mind an occasional “project signing”. However, I still maintain that Inamura may end up surprising us all with just how ready for the SPFL he actually turns out to be.
