Brendan Rodgers has warned Celtic fans that some of the team’s top players could leave the club in the summer. It’s not the news fans want to hear, especially after the pair had such an important role in the team this season.

Hatate is said to be wanted by Serie A side Udinese. The midfielder has been a big part of Celtic’s success in recent seasons. Maeda, who can play wide or through the middle, is being looked at by Fenerbahçe. The Turkish club are thought to be stepping up their interest. Both players have impressed with their performances and work rate, and any sale would leave a gap in the squad.

Celtic are preparing for another European campaign, with Champions League qualifiers coming up in August. The team reached the knockout playoff stage this season, and Rodgers will want to build on that. Losing key players before such big games could make that harder. Supporters will worry that the squad could be weaker just when it needs to be at its strongest.

Both players have already shown their value. Their potential exits would leave a lot of work to do in the transfer market, with Rodgers confident that whoever leaves will be replaced.”

He said: (Sky Sports), “Having now come through the first spell to the second spell, I know 100 per cent you will lose some of your best players.

“They can always be replaced, like the manager can be replaced.

“Celtic’s in a great moment as a club both on the pitch and off the pitch, and my job is to keep driving the vision forward.”

Rodgers has seen this happen before. Good players come in, improve, and then move on. That’s been part of Celtic’s model for years. But the challenge is always to keep the team strong. Selling important players is one thing, but replacing them with the right quality is another. The fans will expect smart moves in the market if Maeda and Hatate leave.

Celtic have already felt the loss of Kyogo and Matt O’Riley, who left in the previous two transfer windows. The Hoops have done well to stay strong domestically, but their absence is still clear in some games. Letting Maeda and Hatate go without proper replacements could be a major risk. These are players who understand the way Celtic play and have delivered when it matters most.

The squad is not short on numbers, but it’s short on players with that same level of influence. There are talented players in the team, but not many have the same level of experience or impact. Losing two of the team’s most trusted players could unsettle the balance.

Rodgers and the club will need to act fast if offers come in. The window will be a key test of Celtic’s plans going forward. Fans will hope that if these players stay—or if they sadly go—others just as good, or better, are ready to come in.