Celtic bolster squad with young talent and defensive depth for 2025/26 glory

Celtic have secured striker Callum Osmand from Fulham on a four-year contract, with the 19-year-old citing advice from former Celtic star Matt O’Riley. 

Osmand joins recent signings Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan, and Benjamin Nygren at Parkhead, pending international clearance. 

In an exclusive interview, Osmand shared that O’Riley, a Brighton midfielder who played for Celtic from 2022 to 2024 after starting at Fulham, highly recommended the Glasgow club.

Celtic’s summer transfer activity continues with the imminent arrival of 23-year-old centre-back Hayato Inamura from J-League side Albirex Niigata.

Inamura played his final match for Niigata in a 4-0 loss to Machida Zelvia on Sunday and is expected in the UK this week to undergo a medical and finalize his move to Celtic.

While Niigata did not confirm his destination, Celtic have been strongly linked with the defender throughout June, and he is set to join Brendan Rodgers’ squad for the 2025/26 season.

Inamura’s signing, expected to be completed soon, will bolster Celtic’s defensive depth, which has already seen significant reinforcement this summer. 

He is likely to provide cover at centre-back or compete for a starting spot. However, the left-back position remains a concern, with Kieran Tierney as the only senior option following his return.

Celtic are now focusing on preparations for the 2025/26 season, with players reporting to Lennoxtown for pre-season training. 

The squad will face Queens Park in a friendly on Friday, July 4, as they gear up for the upcoming campaign. 

These signings reflect Celtic’s ambition to strengthen their squad ahead of domestic and potential European challenges, with Rodgers aiming to maintain the club’s competitive edge in the Scottish Premiership and beyond.