Transfers
The 25-year-old, who played 12 times as Kawasaki finished runners-up behind Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli Saudi FC in the continental championship, has signed a four-year deal with the club to become the latest Japanese player to make the move.
Yamada becomes the fourth Japanese player currently on the Glasgow-based outfit’s books, joining Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Hyato Inamura in the squad.
“It is a huge honour for me to be here as a Celtic player and I can’t wait to begin my time at this amazing club,” Yamada told Celtic’s official website.
“Celtic is one of the top names in world football. I have already watched my countrymen like Daizen, Reo and Kyogo (Furuhashi) do so well at Celtic and I will aim to have the same impact.
“I am my own player, though, and I am ready to face all my own challenges directly.
“I want to do so well at Celtic, I know that Celtic Park is one of the best places in the world to play football with the best supporters around and I will do everything I can to make my new fans proud of me.
“I promise I will give everything I have to bring our fans success.”
Yamada had a break-out season for Kawasaki in 2024, scoring 21 times in 51 games in all competitions including 19 in 38 matches in the J1 League. He has claimed nine in 20 matches in the current J1 League campaign.
He earned his first call-up for the Japan national team earlier this month when he was included in Hajime Moriyasu’s squad for the EAFF E-1 Championship, making his debut as a substitute against Hong Kong, China.
“I am really pleased that we have brought Shin to the club,” said Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers. “He is a strong player who can score goals and create goals for others and I think he is someone who can definitely add an important dimension to our forward line.
"I know he is really keen to make his mark here in European football and deliver for Celtic and I think he is someone who has the power, athleticism and intensity in his play to do really well for us. I look forward to working with him."
