Celtic are expected to make plenty of signings in this summer transfer window, and hopefully a few marquee ones as well. At the same time, it will also be important for the club to hold onto their best players as well. We have already seen Jota make the move to Al-Ittihad and several others have been linked with Parkhead exits as well.
One amongst them is Reo Hatate. The Japanese midfielder is someone who has been a standout performer for Celtic ever since arriving in January of 2021 and unsurprisingly, that has caught the attention of clubs abroad.
Al-Ittihad have already signed Jota from Celtic and they have been linked with an interest in Hatate as well. But there is some positive news for the Hoops in that regard.
As reported by The Guardian, Fabinho is a top target for Nuno Espirito Santo at Al-Ittihad. The Brazilian international’s camp has been approached by the club and talks have taken place regarding salary and contract, but Liverpool have not received an offer yet.
Liverpool’s Fabinho transfer update is great for Celtic
Fabinho has had a very good run at Liverpool and played a key part in their success. But his performances in recent times have come under some criticism as well. Thus, it is not hard to see him potentially leave this summer.
If Al-Ittihad do end up signing Fabinho from Liverpool this summer, then it is hard to see them making a move for Hatate as well. That is good news for Celtic.
Of course, other clubs are believed to hold an interest in Hatate as well. He has been linked with Brighton and Hove Albion as well as Tottenham Hotspur in recent times. Also interestingly, while Kyogo and Daizen Maeda have both already signed contract extensions this summer, the Japanese international midfielder has not done so yet.