Celtic fans were left worried earlier as it emerged that Reo Hatate had turned down a contract offer from the club. Many supporters were quick to point out the similarities between the situation of the Japanese midfielder and that of former players like Josip Juranovic and Giorgos Giakoumakis. Rumours had broken out that they had rejected new deals as well and soon afterwards, they ended up leaving.
Hatate has already been linked with a move away from Parkhead for a while. Thus, it is not hard to see why the fans might have been worried about the future of the midfielder.
Yet, since then, it has emerged that the situation is not as set in stone as first believed. In fact, it is still very possible that Hatate could end up agreeing a new deal with the club.
As reported by the Daily Record, the discussions remain ongoing. Celtic and Hatate remain hopeful that a new deal can be thrashed out.
Celtic handed Hatate boost as situation takes twist
Of course, Hatate has not found himself in a great position since the return of Brendan Rodgers as the manager of the club. His performances were nowhere near their usual levels during pre-season and many questioned his body language as well.
As a result, Hatate was dropped from the starting XI in the first two league games of the season, in favour of David Turnbull, who had barely featured during the time of Ange Postecoglou at the club. And things got worse for the Japanese star, as he picked up an injury against Aberdeen.
Now, Hatate is expected to spend three to four weeks out on the sidelines. We all know what he is capable of when performing at his best though. So, one can only hope that he comes to grips with Rodgers’ system very soon.