Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate looks set to exit Paradise in the coming days. The Japanese International submitted a transfer request at the end of last season and was expected to depart after four-and-a-half trophy laden years in Glasgow’s East End.
Now, Stephen McGowan writes in The Herald that the midfielder will get his wish to exit the Scottish Champions in the coming days after providing an update that Celtic were interested in Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny.
“Expected to wrap up a deal with PSV to sign 19-year-old midfielder Joel van den Berg as a replacement for Arne Engels Reo Hatate should also leave before this week’s deadline, creating a peg for another midfielder.”
The 28-year-old has made 191 appearances for Celtic, scoring 33 goals and assisting on 31 occasions. Hatate arrived as part of the initial Japanese quartet signed by Ange Postecoglou and scored a stunning goal against Tynecastle at Hearts before that memorable night under the lights against Rangers.
Having played under Ange and Brendan, it looked like Hatate wanted a move to pastures new. Despite this, he has remained at the club and was involved in the UEFA Champions League defeat to LASK in Linz last week before missing out Saturday’s win over Falkirk.
Yesterday, Celtic boss Martin O’Neill hinted that a departure could be on the cards after being asked if Hatate’s absence meant a move was in the works.
“Well, it’s a good point, but Reo wasn’t fit to play. He wasn’t fit. He strained himself in training and ruled himself out of contention.”
Earlier, O’Neill had confirmed that there had been offers for the Japanese midfielder but that the player was holding out for a top five league.
6 Comments
Not nearly as good as he thinks.
Good riddance!
We need a lot more players moved on and also the geriatric board.
Reo made an immediate impact when he arrived, and certainly helped contribute to our domestic success under Ange. Best of luck to him.
Adh mor Reo.
Farff fields may not be green.
hes pish
His heart and head are somewhere else. Why was he involved in recent games?
You don’t want to play for us then goodbye and don’t let the door hit your arse on the way out.