Reo Hatate and Celtic have restarted talks regarding extending Hatate’s tenure at Parkhead, which is a big development. Stephen McGowan of Mail Sport, who has been constantly monitoring the issue, provided the information.
Hatate was initially approached by the club to renew his contract together with winger Liel Abada, whose current deal expires in 2026. However, because clubs in Saudi Arabia and France were interested, the negotiations had to be put on hold until the summer transfer season closed. The two parties have resumed talking this week because the window has closed.
After recovering from a calf injury he received during Celtic’s 3-1 victory over Aberdeen last month, the 25-year-old Japanese international is back in action. He is anticipated to play in today’s Premiership match against Dundee with the first team. Given Tuesday’s Champions League match in Rotterdam against Feyenoord, manager Brendan Rodgers is hopeful about giving Hatate some playing time.
He will play before Tuesday, according to Rodgers. “It is still uncertain whether he will begin. He had a difficult summer, but he managed to get through it. Although his injuries came at a bad time, he has done a good job of recovering.
Hatate had been tasked by Rodgers to prove that he met the standards necessary for the first team before to his injury. Following some open discussions, it seems that Hatate is positioned to establish himself as a major member of the starting lineup.
Rodgers continued, “We’ve had some important conversations. He is aware of his responsibilities and the team’s current situation. He has extraordinary talent. Although the transfer window can be worrisome, things should now be stabilized.
Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda, two of Hatate’s fellow countrymen, have already signed fresh four-year contracts with Celtic. Before suffering an injury that will likely keep him out for the next few months, Abada also agreed to a new deal.
Rodgers believes that Abada’s setback presents a chance for summer acquisitions Yang Hyun-Jun and Marco Tilio to make an impact. Although terrible, injuries also provide opportunities for others. We anticipate that whoever is given the chance will take it and perform well on the field, according to Rodgers.
Securing Hatate’s future might be a big step in keeping Celtic’s momentum going during this critical time. Every piece of the puzzle matters because the Premiership title is on the line as well as the Champions League.
