Celtic are going to need to be careful with how they manage the Reo Hatate situation this summer. All roads point to divorce between the player and club, but it now seems as though the Hoops will play hardball over a transfer, which they have every right to do.
Hatate has been a very valuable player for the club, and while his last campaign has not lived up to some of the previous campaigns in a Celtic shirt, it's clear the 28-year-old is still a valuable asset.
Hatate wants out
But at this stage, an asset is all that Celtic will see him as, given it is now common knowledge that the Japan international has informed the club of his desire to leave this summer. Celtic are unlikely to convince him otherwise, and it's doubtful Martin O'Neill will even try when his appointment is confirmed.
Hatate is the sort of player who can cover much of the bill for O'Neill's summer spending, and summer spending is likely something the soon-to-be permanent Hoops boss has demanded upon taking the role.
But finding a buyer is another thing, and so is finding a buyer that is willing to meet Celtic's valuation. The Hoops are reporetedly sticking to their guns over whatever their valuation is, refusing to do business for anything less, but they are going to have to be careful
Hatate situation could get messy
Given Hatate seems to want out, this situation could get messy if Celtic are not willing to compromise over their valiuation. We don't know what that valuation is, but it's unlikely to be low given Hatate is still sitting on the shelf, so to speak.
At a time when O'Neill is trying to build a culture of everyone being on the same page, Celtic risk damaging that by having an unhappy Hatate hanging around the place.
That's not to say they should sell him off for cheap, or even that they should rush into a deal. The club has to do what is best for its own business, but if no deal is forthcoming over the next month or so, there could come a time when the Bhoys need to make compromise to protect the dressing room.
If a player wants out, he usually gets his wish, and that's because he has plenty of leverage. Even if a club plays hardball, the player can make a scene on the training ground or in the dressing room, and the next step from there is usually asking the player to train away from the first team.
And that's a decision that immediately impacts the value of the player, given clubs know there is a need to sell. So, unless the player is willing to be very patient until the club's value is met, which is rarely the case, it's a case of comprise or be comprmised, and Celtic can't afford the latter as they look to get off to a much better start next season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google