Celtic star Reo Hatate is now being linked with a surprise move as he prepares for a likely exit this summer. The Japan international is said to be seeking a new club after a frustrating season at Parkhead.
Hatate has been one of Celtic's most dangerous players in the past, but while he has still shown flashes, scoring six and assisting three, he was not anywhere near his most impactful during the season just gone.
At 28, hatate has plenty still to offer, but there have been reports he will be sold this summer, and a new interested club has entered the mix.
Hatate could return home
Hatate has been linked with a number of moves in the past, including to England, but the latest sees him linked with a move back to Japan. Kashima Antlers are said to be showing an interest in Hatate as they look to mount a successful title defence.
The club's chief Toru Oniki is reportedly set to meet with Hatate this summer to try to convince him of the club's project. Hatate joined Celtic from Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale in 2022, and he has certainly succeeded in the green and white.
But on top of reports that he wants a new challenge this summer, Celtic are said to view this summer as the perfect time to sell.
Hatate has a contract until 2028, so Celtic would likely maximise profit this summer, ahead of him going into his final year next summer. There will also be concerns that the midfielder won't regain his form, and that could also see his value drop.
Hatate did not make the Japan World Cup squad this summer, so he will be free to have dicsussions, as long as the club are good with it. The Bhoys have had a big fee in mind for the midfielder in the past, but in all likelihood, their realistic hope will surely be around £5million when it comes to the fee.
Hatate was signed for little over £1million, so it will go down as a hugely successful deal. The Bhoys will have bagged more than £3.5million in profit while also getting 132 league appearances, 25 goals in the league alone, and a huge contribution towards five Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups.
With that in mind, should a move come to pass this summer, whether Hatate leaves for Japan or somewhere in Europe, he will surely go with his strong Celtic reputation intact.
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