Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate is reportedly being eyed for a high-profile transfer to Saudi Arabia, adding to the list of players potentially making a move to the oil-rich nation.
Hatate, a key asset for Celtic’s new boss Brendan Rodgers, is also reportedly on the radar of Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou.
Rodgers, keen to continue the success of his predecessor at Parkhead, will undoubtedly be eager to retain the Japanese international, if possible.
The report suggest that big-spending Al Ittihad has entered the race for Hatate. The nation’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which recently funded a takeover of Newcastle United, has been investing heavily in Saudi Pro League clubs.
This influx of capital has attracted top-tier players like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante, who have followed in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo.
A news network associated with Al Ittihad claims that Hatate is “close” to joining the Saudi team. However, the certainty of a deal at this stage remains unclear. Since his arrival from Japan in January 2022, alongside Daizen Maeda, Hatate has emerged as one of Celtic’s star players. Playing a pivotal role in back to back titles and the treble last season.
The potential move of Hatate could mark a significant moment for the club if money was no object.
The 25-year-old’s contract with Celtic runs for another three years. The ball is in Celtic’s court, but we must stress although most media outlets in Scotland are now running this story, it’s only one solitary report in Saudi Arabia at the moment.
