Quick Read
- Shin Yamada, 25, joined Preußen Münster on loan from Celtic until the end of the 2025/26 season.
- The Japanese international made only 12 appearances and one start for Celtic since joining last summer.
- Preußen Münster is currently 15th in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga.
- Yamada was ineligible for Celtic’s Europa League squad.
- Celtic has made two other loan signings this month and plans further additions to strengthen their squad.
Japanese international striker Shin Yamada has completed a loan move from Scottish champions Celtic to German 2. Bundesliga side Preußen Münster, with the deal set to run until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. The 25-year-old’s departure, announced by Celtic on January 27, 2026, marks a significant development for the player who has struggled for regular game time since his high-profile transfer last summer.
Yamada’s Challenging Stint at Celtic
Yamada arrived at Celtic Park from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale in the summer of 2025 with considerable expectations. However, his tenure in Glasgow has been largely frustrating, with the forward making only 12 appearances across all competitions and securing just a single start. This limited involvement meant he failed to cement a place in the squad under manager Martin O’Neill, who took over from Brendan Rodgers.
Adding to his difficulties, Yamada, alongside fellow countryman Hayato Inamura, was notably omitted from Celtic’s Europa League squad, rendering them ineligible for European competition this season. Both players, initially labeled as ‘club signings’ under former manager Brendan Rodgers, struggled to consistently make the matchday squads in Scotland. Inamura also departed the club earlier this month, joining FC Tokyo in his native Japan on a loan deal.
A Fresh Start in Germany’s Second Tier
The move to Preußen Münster offers Yamada a crucial opportunity for consistent playing time and a chance to regain his form. Preußen Münster, currently sitting 15th in the 2. Bundesliga, is looking to strengthen its squad to avoid a relegation battle, a position they also finished in last season. The German side will be hoping Yamada’s attacking prowess can provide a much-needed boost for the remainder of their campaign.
Celtic confirmed Yamada’s departure via a short statement on their social media channels, wishing the striker ‘Best of luck.’ The loan agreement provides a temporary resolution for a player who, despite his talent, was clearly not fitting into Celtic’s immediate plans.
Celtic’s Active January Transfer Window
Yamada’s loan exit is part of a broader, active January transfer window for Celtic, who are keen to retain their Scottish Premiership title. Under Martin O’Neill, the club has already secured two other loan signings this month: Julian Araujo from Bournemouth and Tomas Cvancara from Borussia Monchengladbach. These additions signal Celtic’s intent to reinforce key areas of the squad as they navigate a demanding schedule.
The club is reportedly hopeful of making further additions before the transfer window closes next week, indicating a strategic push to fine-tune the squad. The departures of players like Yamada and Inamura on loan not only free up squad space but also potentially reduce the wage bill, allowing for greater flexibility in pursuing new targets.
The strategic decision to loan out Shin Yamada reflects Celtic’s immediate focus on squad optimization and securing crucial playing time for a player not currently in their first-team plans, while simultaneously freeing up resources for new acquisitions vital to their domestic title defense.