REO Hatate’s recent comments suggest that his ambition might lead him away from Celtic Park, despite having three years left on his contract.

Hatate, who joined Celtic 18 months ago in January 2022, has been a revelation for the club. His ability to shift the ball quickly and his keen eye for a pass have made him an integral part of the team. Even in pre-season, his performances have been nothing short of outstanding.

However, Hatate’s recent comments after Celtic’s 1-0 victory against Gamba Osaka hint at a desire for new challenges.

He said: “If I can challenge [in the EPL], I would like to do it. But I can’t do anything about it myself.

“That’s what is natural as a player. If you lose your ambition, it’s over as a player. That’s what I’m already looking for, so I want to do it if I can challenge it.” [Hochi News]

Hatate’s ambition is commendable, but it puts Celtic in a difficult position. The club would undoubtedly be keen to secure his services for the long term, given his talent and contribution to the team.

However, if Hatate is set on seeking new challenges, a contract extension seems unlikely. This doesn’t necessarily spell disaster for Celtic. With three years remaining on his contract, the club is in a strong position to negotiate a sizeable transfer fee should he decide to leave.

Celtic have already been active in the transfer market for midfielders, but none of the new arrivals seem capable of filling Hatate’s shoes, and it will be hard to find a player in Celtic’s price range that can.

While Celtic fans would love to see Hatate commit his future to the club, his recent comments suggest that a contract extension may not be on the cards. However, the situation is far from dire for Celtic, who will either retain a superb talent or be in a strong position to command a significant transfer fee.