NafisaCeltic are reportedly already making plans for life without Reo Hatate as they prepare to ‘accept’ an offer for the out-of-favour midfielder this summer.
The 28-year-old was once among the first names on the teamsheet and has been a supporters’ favourite for much of his spell at Celtic Park since arriving from Kawasaki Frontale in 2022.
However, last season did not unfold as expected for the Japan international, who lost his spot in the side to Arne Engels when it mattered most.
Hatate’s inconsistent displays resulted in him failing to start any of Celtic’s post-split fixtures, while for the title-deciding clash against Hearts and the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline, he was omitted from the squad entirely.
Given his limited involvement under Martin O’Neill, Celtic are now prepared to part ways with Hatate this summer despite him being contracted until 2028, it is claimed.
Since arriving, the midfielder has netted 33 goals in 47 appearances and has collected five SPFL Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups during his four-and-a-half years at the club.
Celtic prepare for life without Hatate:
According to Football Insider: “Celtic are already planning to accept an offer for midfielder Reo Hatate after he has fallen down the pecking order of late, sources have told Football Insider. The Bhoys view this summer as their ‘best opportunity’ to cash in on the Japanese star as he heads into the final two years of his contract, and they won’t stand in his way if the right offer comes in. Sources say that the Glasgow giants have already moved on from the 28-year-old in terms of their long-term plans, and they will look to offload him to make way for further additions this summer.”
It has been a remarkable decline in fortunes for Hatate, who as recently as the 2024/25 season recorded 17 goal involvements across all competitions.
He was also widely praised for his work ethic off the ball during his time at Parkhead, although towards the latter stages of the season he appeared to fall short in that department as well.
Celtic signed Hatate from the J-League for £1.5m and will still be hoping to secure a sizeable profit on the midfielder. He has previously been linked with Premier League clubs Tottenham and Brighton.
Where did it all go wrong?
Under former managers Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers, Hatate flourished in midfield and was even among the standout performers under O’Neill during his brief second spell in charge earlier in the campaign.
A needless red card in the Europa League against Bologna raised concerns about the midfielder’s concentration in a game Celtic were leading before being reduced to 10 men and eventually settling for a draw.
From that point onwards, Hatate spent months drifting in and out of the starting lineup, but when Arne Engels returned from a thigh injury, it effectively marked the beginning of the end.
The Belgian became one of Celtic’s standout performers after the split and played a crucial role in the successful late-season title charge. Hatate managed just 35 minutes of action across the final five matches.
Nafisa
