With the summer transfer window slowly approaching, Celtic fans are once again preparing for potential player movements in and out of the club.
One of the biggest talking points is the future of midfielder Reo Hatate, who has been tipped as the most likely Celtic player to leave if young Scottish talent Lennon Miller joins the Hoops. This report comes courtesy of Scott Burns from RecordSport, who suggests that a midfield reshuffle could be on the cards, with Hatate potentially moving on to make room for Miller.
Hatate’s Contract Situation
Reo Hatate, currently 27 years old, is under contract with Celtic until the summer of 2028. This extended contract means that if another club wishes to sign the Japanese midfielder, they will likely need to pay a substantial fee. Celtic are in a strong negotiating position, which means that while Hatate’s departure is by no means inevitable, the Hoops will have full control over any potential transfer discussions. Should Celtic decide to sell, they will undoubtedly aim for a fee that reflects Hatate’s value as a key player in the squad since joining in January 2022.
A Key Player in Celtic’s Midfield
This season, Hatate has made 45 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals. His consistency and ability to perform at a high level have made him a regular starter under both Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers. His dynamic playing style and technical ability in midfield have earned him a reputation as one of Celtic’s most important players. However, at 27, Hatate may see a potential move as one of the last major transfers of his career.
Lennon Miller’s Potential Arrival
The growing interest in Lennon Miller could be the catalyst for a summer move. Scott Burns has pointed out that the 18-year-old is keen to get first-team football, and with Celtic’s current midfield depth, it’s possible that a current player could be sold to make space for the teenager. As Burns noted in his comments on Hotline Live, “Celtic have got a lot of midfield players in there and the fact that they still want Lennon makes him suspect that one of them will probably be sold. And you suspect it would probably be Reo Hatate because there’s lots of interest in him.”
Rodgers’ Approach to the Summer Transfer Window
With Celtic in a strong bargaining position, Brendan Rodgers is likely to take a calm and calculated approach when considering any potential departures in the summer. Rodgers will likely have the final say on whether Hatate is allowed to leave, and while the midfielder’s future remains uncertain, Celtic fans can trust that Rodgers will handle the situation with care, ensuring they get the best deal possible if a transfer does happen.
The summer promises to be an intriguing time for Celtic, with a possible reshaping of the squad to accommodate fresh talent like Lennon Miller. Whether Reo Hatate stays or departs, one thing is certain: Celtic will continue to make decisions that strengthen the team long-term and secure the club’s future in the Champions League.
Final Thoughts
As the summer window approaches, Celtic fans will be watching closely to see whether Reo Hatate’s time at the club comes to an end. With a potential move in the works and Lennon Miller on the horizon, the coming months could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Celtic’s midfield.
