Celtic handed superb late-night news as club open talks

Celtic made an unsteady start to the season but the win over the Rangers at Ibrox has lifted the mood around Parkhead and the future suddenly looks a lot brighter than it was a couple of weeks back. It is important for the club to build on their newfound momentum and string together some wins from here. Their next game is against Dundee FC in the Premiership before they take on Feyenoord in the Champions League group stage opener.

Celtic have received a lot of criticism for their recruitment strategy in the summer transfer window, sticking to ‘project’ signings rather than going for experienced and established names. One thing the club did get right though is that they agreed contract extensions with a number of their key players.

Callum McGregor, Kyogo, Daizen Maeda, Liel Abada and Stephen Welsh have all signed new deals with Celtic. And Reo Hatate could be next on that list if things go according to plan.

As reported by The Mail+, Celtic have opened talks with Hatate over a contract extension. The Japanese midfielder had asked for discussions to be paused until the summer window closed.

Celtic handed superb late-night news as club open talks

Hatate did not make a great start to this season and seemed to be struggling to come to grips with Brendan Rodgers’ system before he picked up an unfortunate injury. One cannot overlook the effect that all the transfer rumours might have had on him as well though.

Hatate is now closing in on full fitness once again. He is expected to be back on the pitch after the international break.

If Celtic are to have a successful campaign, they will need Hatate to be at his top level. He is one of the best players they have got. Hopefully, Rodgers will find a way to fit him into his system when he returns from his injury.