Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has confirmed that one of his regulars is looking for a way out of the club this summer. The Bhoys are currently in Portugal as they continue their pre-season training, looking to build on their early summer stint in the Republic of Ireland.
First new signing Camilo Duran is with the team, and O'Neill is hoping to add more new signings over the coming weeks, although it's unlikely any of the other new arrivals will join him and the team in Portugal.
Exits are also likely, and O'Neill has provided the latest on a likely departee.
O'Neill admits Hatate exits is likely
There was plenty of gossip early in the summer, claiming Reo Hatate wanted to move on to find a new challenge, and O'Neill has now confirmed that.
“I think that Reo has done exceptionally well at the football club since he arrived," the Celtic boss told the Daily Record. "People have said he might even have been the best player in Scotland two or three years ago. I think myself that he’s probably looking to maybe see if there’s new pastures for him.
“I’ll see how it goes with him here when he’s there. Like everything else, during this particular time, it’s a bit unsettling for players, a wee bit like Maeda. So, you just don’t know.”
O'Neill added: "And Reo himself, let’s see what options might be around. But if nothing develops, I’d be very happy to keep him.”
Hatate has fulfilled his Celtic expectations
Hatate has been a fine performer for Celtic, but he is coming off a less impressive season, and it seems, above all, he just wants a new chapter after four years at the club.
As far as Celtic are concerned, they will also feel as though it is the best time to sell, given the player prefers to leave and he has two years remaining on his contract. Anything less than two years is likely to mean a discount on the transfer fee, so this is a good time to sell in terms of business.
Celtic are likely to ask for at least ÂŁ8million to sell the creative Japan international, which would be another significant fee, but it only adds to the obvious need for the Bhoys to get a move on with their summer business, given the calibre of players who are going to be leaving the club this summer, between Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels.
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