NafisaCeltic have reportedly decided that Reo Hatate’s future lies away from Parkhead, with the Scottish champions now prepared to listen to offers for the midfielder this summer as they reshape their squad ahead of next season.
The Japanese international was once regarded as one of the club’s most influential players and a key figure alongside captain Callum McGregor in the heart of midfield. However, a dramatic change in fortunes over the past year has left Hatate facing an uncertain future in Glasgow.
After arriving from Kawasaki Frontale in 2022, Hatate quickly established himself as a fan favourite and one of Celtic’s most important performers. His creativity, energy and eye for goal helped the Hoops dominate Scottish football, with the midfielder playing a major role in multiple title-winning campaigns.
But the 2025/26 season proved far more difficult.
A series of inconsistent displays saw Hatate gradually slip down the pecking order, while the emergence of Arne Engels ultimately pushed him further away from the starting line-up during the decisive stages of the campaign.
By the time Celtic entered the post-split fixtures, Hatate was no longer a regular starter. More concerningly, he failed to make a significant impact during the club’s run to the Premiership title and Scottish Cup triumph.
His situation reached a worrying point when he was left out of the squad entirely for both the title decider against Hearts and the Scottish Cup Final against Dunfermline.
Despite still having a contract running until 2028, reports suggest Celtic now view this summer as the ideal opportunity to cash in on the 28-year-old while his market value remains strong.
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.”
That development will undoubtedly disappoint many supporters, as well as teammates who have enjoyed considerable success alongside him.
Hatate has contributed 33 goals during his Celtic career while helping the club secure five Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups.
Not long ago, the midfielder was producing some of the best football of his career. During the 2024/25 campaign alone, he registered 17 goal contributions across all competitions and was regularly praised for his work-rate and technical quality.
However, warning signs began to emerge following a costly red card against Bologna in the Europa League. Celtic were in control of that match before being reduced to ten men and eventually settling for a draw.
From that point onwards, Hatate struggled to regain consistency. His place in the side became increasingly uncertain and the return of Arne Engels from injury appeared to accelerate his decline in status.
The Belgian midfielder seized his opportunity and became one of Celtic’s standout performers during the final weeks of the season, playing a crucial role in the club’s successful title charge.
In contrast, Hatate managed just 35 minutes of football across Celtic’s final five matches of the campaign.
With Premier League clubs such as Tottenham and Brighton previously linked with the midfielder, Celtic will be hoping to secure a significant profit on a player they originally signed for just £1.5 million.
As things stand, all signs suggest the club are already planning for a future without him.
Nafisa
