Celtic rumoured to be closing in on another J1 League star

As we approach the January transfer window, it is safe to say that Celtic will be linked with a number of players over the coming months. We have already heard about the links with Yokohama F. Marinos superstar Daizen Maeda. And now, it looks like another J1 League star could be on the Hoops’ radar.

That player is Reo Hatate. He is one of the most highly-rated players in Japanese football right now and currently plays for back-to-back J1 League winners, Kawasaki Frontale.

Many have named him in the past as a player that Ange Postecoglou should have an eye on as he aims to rebuild this Celtic side. And it looks like Celtic could be trying to sign him after all.

As tweeted out by an user named Marco Molla, who posts Japanese transfer rumours and has a solid following of over 11 thousand, Celtic will soon agree on a deal with Kawasaki Frontale for Hatate:

Hatate could be a great signing for Celtic

Hatate has been one of the most highly-rated talents playing in the J1 League for a while now and it is not hard to see why.

His biggest attribute appears to be his versatility. While mostly viewed as a midfielder, he has played more regularly at left-back recently and done a good job there. Other than that, he is also capable of playing on both wings and as a right-back as well if the situation calls for it.

Postecoglou is expected to know him well from his time in Japan as Hatate is a regular for the league champions there.

According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has made 72 appearances overall, scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists till now. And at 23 years of age, would only be expected to get better.

If Celtic can sign him, it would be considered as a major coup on their part. Now, it remains to be seen what the future holds.