Celtic Ready to sell Reo Hatate amid fresh bids – right decision?

Celtic are ready to sell 28‑year‑old Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate before the September transfer deadline, whose market worth is reported around €8 million, has spent two years of his contract at Parkhead with limited impact.

Limited impact fuels Celtic's resolve

Hatate featured in 30 Scottish Premiership matches last season but scored only twice, and manager Martin O’Neill has demanded greater defensive discipline and physical strength in midfield. As the title run‑in approached, his involvement dwindled to just 25 minutes from the bench across four fixtures.

Fresh bids soften Celtic's stance

Initially, Celtic rejected offers from Panathinaikos, MLS and Austria, but the club’s position has since softened as the deadline approaches. The renewed interest aligns with the club’s desire to move the player while he still has two years left on his contract.

Why Celtic have changed their stance is clear: Hatate’s style no longer fits O’Neill’s tactical plan, and the squad appears more secure without him. The midfielder is reportedly holding out for a move to one of Europe’s top‑five leagues, making any offer that does not meet his ambitions less attractive.

Meanwhile, Celtic have already identified potential replacements, with talks opened for Bosnia international Tarw Mahmic, Verona’s Gvidas Gineitis and Rijeka’s Niko Sigur. The club seeks a midfielder with more bite, running power and defensive authority.

The timing of the decision coincides with Celtic’s Champions League progress, highlighted by a 3‑0 first‑leg victory over LASK, which provides financial flexibility for new signings. Hatate’s technical quality is not in question; the issue is whether his attributes match the current midfield requirements.

For Hatate, remaining on the bench risks his market value, while for Celtic, offloading a highly paid, unhappy squad member clears wages and creates space for a player better suited to O’Neill’s vision. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 10 saw Hatate arrive at Celtic Park before the Premier League clash with Rangers, underscoring the immediacy of the situation.