Reo Hatate is said to be Hammers target, a move that would make perfect sense for the Japanese midfielder…
Reo Hatate, very much like his compatriot Daizen Maeda, looks likely to have played his last game for the club, with an exit over the summer highly probable.
That time might be sooner rather than later in the case of Reo, with it being reported that Championship side West Ham United are interested in the Japan international playmaker.
Reo barely featured under Martin O’Neill in the title run in, despite being something of a mainstay since his £1.5 move from Kawasaki Frontale back in January 2022.
The 29 year old Japanese international is said to be one of several Scottish Premiership players on the recently relegated Hammers’ transfer wish-list following the appointment of former Ibrox chief scout, Nils Koppen, with Rangers’ Connor Barren also linked to the London Stadium last week.
In a frank and honest interview with Japanese outlet Fergus last month, Reo outlined his future ambitions, and very much like his club and international teammate Daizen Maeda, he wants to test himself at a higher level, or in other words a top five European league.
“At that time [when he joined Celtic] I wanted to go overseas. I wanted to go to the Champions League. I really admire the stage of the Champions League. I want to challenge myself in the top five leagues.
“I’m not saying I’m satisfied, but I played in the Champions League [with Celtic]. I played at a high level, but I haven’t been able to play at a high level every week. I want to play in the major five leagues. I want to play in the Champions League and the Europa League. That’s my goal.”
Reo has been a revelation for the club since his arrival in 2022, but with his desire to move on, a fee of around £5-6 million would most likely seal his departure.
Whether that’s with West Ham or somewhere else remains to be seen but what seems certain is that Reo has done his time at Celtic and will leave with our best wishes.
West Ham would be a great move for Hatate and he’s exactly the kind of player who could propel them back into the Premier League at the first time of asking. It would be a move that suits all parties perfectly.
The Hammers are also interested in bringing in both Arne Engels and Michel-Ange Balikwisha alongside Hatate. That would be something else entirely.
Balikwisha would no doubt welcome a move West Ham but the highest bidder looks like getting the benefit of Arne Engels’ services. But a move to Championship football would possibly be unattractive for a player attracting interest from the Premier League and Serie A.
As the song says ‘two out of three ain’t bad’…
🚨 As per https://t.co/1i2p4g4Fib, West Ham’s three reported Celtic transfer targets are Arne Engels, Reo Hatate and Michel-Ange Balikwisha. https://t.co/VVX41aPZij
— Conor ✍️📺⚽️ (@conorbyline) July 15, 2026
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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