Celtic Set to Offload Reo Hatate Before Transfer Deadline
Celtic is on the verge of parting ways with Reo Hatate before the transfer window closes, according to Glasgow World. The 28-year-old Japanese midfielder seems to have lost his place in plans at Parkhead.
Celtic Prepares for Hatate’s Move Amid Transfer Tensions
Hatate expressed a desire to leave during the early stages of the summer transfer window. While Celtic initially turned down offers from Panathinaikos and clubs from MLS and Austria, their position has weakened. With two years left on his contract, the club now seems determined to facilitate his exit.
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Reasons Behind Celtic’s Shift in Approach
The rationale for this change is clear. Last season, Hatate participated in 30 Scottish Premiership matches but only managed to score twice. His spot in the lineup became precarious when Martin O’Neill called for increased defensive discipline and physicality in the midfield.
During the title run-in, Hatate saw minimal action, and Celtic appeared more solid without him. This trend has continued into the current season, where he has only played 25 minutes off the bench across four matches. This situation speaks volumes about his current role.
With the club not wanting a midfielder who neither wants to stay nor is fully relied upon, Hatate’s ongoing time on the sidelines also risks diminishing his market value, reportedly around €8 million.
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Challenges Faced in Hatate’s Departure
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 10: Reo Hatate of Celtic arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on May 10, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
However, the situation is complicated. Offers have come in, yet none seems to align with Hatate’s aspirations.
Panathinaikos, along with clubs from MLS and Austria, have expressed interest. Still, the midfielder reportedly remains focused on securing a transfer to one of Europe’s top leagues, creating a challenging impasse for Celtic.
For Hatate, waiting could be a gamble, while for Celtic, retaining an expensive and discontented player serves little purpose.
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Celtic’s Strategic Replacement Plans
The club’s ongoing recruitment efforts indicate that their aims extend beyond just alleviating salary costs. Discussions have commenced with Slovan Liberec concerning Bosnia international Tarw Mahmic, who impressed at the recent World Cup and is valued at around £8.5 million.
Additionally, Celtic is also evaluating Gvidas Gineitis from Verona and Niko Sigur of Rijeka as they seek a stronger presence, speed, and defensive robustness in midfield.
The timing of these developments is significant. Following a 3-0 first-leg win over LASK in the Champions League, Celtic has the opportunity to invest, although doubts remain about whether Hatate’s skill set aligns with O’Neill’s vision for midfield roles moving forward.
Celtic are ready to part company with Reo Hatate before the September transfer deadline, as per Glasgow World, with the 28-year-old Japanese midfielder seemingly no longer wanted at Parkhead.
Celtic ready to sell Reo Hatate as transfer standoff intensifies
Hatate wanted out from the opening weeks of the summer window. Celtic initially rejected bids from Panathinaikos, MLS and Austria, yet their stance has since softened. With two years remaining on his contract, the club now appear determined to move him on.
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Why Celtic have changed their stance
There is little mystery surrounding the decision. Hatate played 30 Scottish Premiership matches last season but scored only twice, while his place in the side became increasingly uncertain when Martin O’Neill demanded greater defensive discipline and physical strength in midfield.
Come the title run-in, Hatate was barely involved. Celtic looked more secure without him, and the pattern has carried into the new campaign. Across four fixtures, he’s managed just 25 minutes from the bench. That tells you plenty.
Celtic don’t need another midfielder who is neither fully trusted nor particularly keen to stay. Every week spent on the bench also chips away at his value, with his market worth reportedly around €8 million.
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The awkward part of Hatate’s exit
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 10: Reo Hatate of Celtic arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on May 10, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
There’s a problem, though. Offers have arrived, but none appears to meet Hatate’s ambitions.
Panathinaikos have tried. So have clubs from MLS and the Austrian league. Yet the midfielder is reportedly holding out for a move to one of Europe’s top-five leagues. That may leave Celtic in a difficult little staring contest.
For the player, waiting is risky. For Celtic, keeping a highly paid unhappy squad member serves little purpose.
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Celtic already have a replacement plan
The club’s recruitment work suggests this isn’t simply about clearing wages. Talks have opened with Slovan Liberec over Bosnia international Tarw Mahmic, valued at roughly £8.5 million after impressing at the recent World Cup.
Gvidas Gineitis of Verona and Rijeka’s Niko Sigur are also being considered, with Celtic looking for more bite, running power and defensive authority in the middle of the park.
The timing matters, too. Celtic’s Champions League progress, including a 3-0 first-leg victory over LASK, gives them room to spend. Hatate’s technical quality has never really been the question. The issue is whether his style fits what O’Neill wants from this midfield now.
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