One Celtic star has made it clear he wants to leave the club amid speculation surrounding his future this summer. The Bhoys have a problem brewing amid a lack of transfer activity, already in need of a number of signings and that's without possible exits this summer.
The reality is that Celtic could very well lose three of their best players this summer, with Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels, Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate all likely to attract significant transfer attention, and the latter has made it clear he would welcome a move.
Hatate wants to take next career step
Hatate is not coming off his best season at Celtic, but he has been a very consistent player for the Hoops over the last four years, and at 28 years of age, he is looking to cash in on his efforts to land a top move.
“I would like to challenge myself in one of the top five leagues," he admitted to Japanese outlet FERGUS.
“I’m not saying I’m satisfied, but I have had the opportunity to play in the Champions League and other high-level leagues, but I still haven’t been able to play at such a high level for an entire season.
“I still have that desire to play there. I would like to play in one of the top five leagues, and if possible, in the Europa League or Champions League. My goal is to be able to play in a league where I can do that.”
Celtic should grant Hatate move
It's not going to help Celtic, but the club should help Hatate in realising his dream this summer. Not only is it the best time to sell, with two years remaining on his current deal, but he has given everything while at Parkhead.
The Bhoys could hardly have asked for more from the Japan international, who has five Premiership titles to his name, and when players perform so consistently for you, the right thing to do is facilitate a big move as a reward.
Celtic will ask for a good fee, and they should, but given Hatate's efforts at the club, it would feel wrong for them to block a move or price him out of a deal. The timing is not ideal with Engels and Maeda expected to leave this summer, but you can understand why Hatate feels now is the time to strike, entering his prime at 28.
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