Scottish giants Glasgow Celtic have confirmed the signing of Japanese forward Shin Yamada from Kawasaki Frontale on a four-year contract.
The 25-year-old arrives with an impressive track record in the J.League 1, having scored 32 goals across 121 appearances since breaking through in 2023.
“Shin is a dynamic attacker who not only finds the net but also creates chances for his teammates,” manager Brendan Rodgers told the club’s official media. “He brings pace, strength, and intensity—qualities that will definitely strengthen our attacking options. He’s eager to prove himself in European football, and we believe he’s got the tools to thrive here.”
Yamada, who earned his first international cap earlier this year, bid farewell to Kawasaki Frontale supporters following their shock Emperor’s Cup loss to third-tier side SC Sagamihara on July 16. He departs with the club currently sixth in the J1 table, having scored twice in 21 league appearances this season.
Standing at 5ft 8in, Yamada made headlines last season with an impressive 19 goals in 38 league matches. He revealed to CelticTV that the Scottish champions first made contact about a move in late 2024.
His departure marks Kawasaki Frontale’s second major outgoing to Europe this summer, following highly rated young defender Kota Takai’s move to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.
Yamada becomes Celtic’s latest summer recruit, joining fellow forwards Benjamin Nygren and Callum Osmand, defenders Hayato Inamura and Kieran Tierney, and goalkeeper Ross Doohan.
“Celtic is a club with a massive global reputation,” Yamada said. “I’ve watched players like Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, and Kyogo Furuhashi excel here, and I’m motivated to make a similar impact. But I’m also ready to write my own story. I know the challenges ahead, and I’m fully prepared to take them on.”