Celtic stumbled out of the gates under the management of Brendan Rodgers this season but seem to be starting to find their feet now. There have been plenty of positive signs in recent weeks and they are only expected to get better as more players return to fitness and get back into the team.
One player who spent some time out injured is Reo Hatate. The Japanese midfielder is back available and making a difference on the pitch.
Admittedly, Hatate was not at his best at the start of the season and had even lost his place in the starting XI. Many questioned his body language and there were suggestions that the constant speculation over his future was having an effect on his performances on the pitch.
With the summer transfer window closed and Hatate back fit, he seems to be in a much better spot now. Rumours even broke out recently that he was on the verge of signing a contract extension with Celtic. But if Rodgers’ latest comments are anything to go by, it might not be as close as first believed.
Brendan Rodgers makes unexpected Celtic contract admission
As reported by Football Scotland, Rodgers said when asked if an agreement was close to being reached with Hatate:
"“I haven’t been made aware of that.“I’ll speak to Michael latest but in fairness to the club, the club have been reaching out to the agent for quite some time. But where it’s at, I don’t know at this point.”"
If a contract extension was on the verge of being agreed, one would expect Rodgers to be in the know. But at the same time, it is very possible that he might not want to make any comments before an official announcement is made. So, one should not read too much into the manager’s comments.
If Hatate does end up signing a contract extension, it would be great news for Celtic. Of course, he could still leave if the right offer was on the table but it would give the Hoops some extra leverage.