Celtic could be set to welcome back striker Shin Yamada to Parkhead after the Japanese forward failed to score a single goal during his loan spell in Germany.
The 25-year-old, who cost £1.5 million from Kawasaki Frontale last summer, was the only frontman the champions paid a transfer fee for. Despite making his Japan debut in a victory over Hong Kong, Yamada struggled to make an impact at Celtic, failing to find the net in 11 appearances, mostly from the bench.
With three years remaining on his Hoops contract, Yamada was sent on loan to Bundesliga 2 strugglers Preussen Munster in January. However, his time in Germany has proven equally difficult. He drew a blank in four substitute appearances and one start, during which he was substituted at half-time.
Preussen Munster currently sit bottom of the second tier and recently sacked manager Alexander Ende following a 6-0 defeat to Dynamo Dresden, where Yamada was an unused substitute. He was subsequently left out of the squad entirely for their 3-1 loss to FC Magdeburg.
Before his dismissal, Ende explained the challenges Yamada faced in breaking into the team. “At one stage we had 12 players out injured and that’s why we brought in loan players like Shin Yamada and Imad Rondic,” he said. “Now all those injuries have cleared and we have six strikers for two positions. Tough decisions and disappointments are guaranteed. But every single professional in our squad is extremely valuable to us.”