Celtic supporters have been told to brace themselves for a potential Reo Hatate departure this summer, with the Japanese midfielder recently linked with a move to Serie A side Udinese. Speaking on the Daily Record’s Hotline Live, Keith Jackson suggested that, from what he’s heard behind the scenes, Hatate is quietly pushing for a move.
Jackson compared the situation to Kyogo, who left Celtic for French side Rennes in January. That move hasn’t gone well. Kyogo hasn’t scored a single goal and has mostly been left out of the team.
He was back on the bench against Nice on Saturday but didn’t get on the pitch. Reports in France now say he could leave Rennes after just six months.
Hatate has been a key player for Celtic, scoring in the 3-1 win over Hibernian at the weekend. But it’s believed he wants to play in a more competitive league and feels this is the right time to move on. Jackson also revealed Brendan Rodgers is already looking for a new central midfielder in case Hatate goes.
He said: (Hotline Live), “I think you’re going to have to brace yourself for bad news on that front.
“He’s been making noises, and I think people inside Celtic know it. I’m not going to say he’s been agitating because I don’t think he’s been rocking any boats, but it’s fairly well established—well known behind the scenes—that there’s a touch of the Kyogo Furuhashi’s about it.
“That’s one reason why one of the priority targets for Brendan Rodgers this summer will be a central midfield player. I don’t think Celtic want to lose Hatate, but I think he feels the time is right to make a move. He’s probably looking at getting into one of Europe’s top leagues. He’s just not going to get the opportunity to play Champions League football at Celtic, and I think he’s striving for something more than that.
“However, maybe if he’s picked up the phone to his wee mate Kyogo, he might be learning that the grass isn’t always greener.”
Hatate might want to talk to Kyogo before making a final decision. Things haven’t worked out for his fellow countryman so far. But Celtic know there’s a good chance Hatate could move on.
Celtic have been regularly linked with Motherwell’s Lennon Miller, and Hatate’s possible departure could clear the way for a move for the 18-year-old. Miller is highly rated and seen as one of Scotland’s brightest young talents.
However, expecting a teenager to step in and replace a player of Hatate’s quality right away would be a big ask. Celtic would likely need more experience in midfield alongside any young signing.
Midfield is certainly an area where Celtic could improve, but Hatate has undeniably had his best all-round season for the club, putting up his best goalscoring numbers and recently being named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year. For all the criticism he has received over the years, his impressive season has somewhat gone under the radar
