As the Parkhead club looks to lock down the midfielder to a new contract, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has spoken openly about contract negotiations with Reo Hatate.
Hatate declined their initial offer, but the club is still convinced that they can reach an agreement with a player who is under contract in Glasgow’s east end until 2026. The Scottish Premiership winners have since reopened negotiations with the midfielder, who came off the bench to make his injury comeback in the victory over Dundee. The Japan captain reportedly requested that negotiations be suspended because there was still interest in his services during the transfer window, but Celtic are already back in talks.
Following the 3-0 victory over the Dens Park team, Rodgers revealed the private talks that had taken place between the player and the club, although the manager later said he would defer to the club’s and player’s insiders to work out the details. When asked if there had been any progress on a deal and if he wanted Hatate to stay at Celtic Park, Rodgers said to Sky Sports: “Obviously. He plays the game really well.
“It’s a matter between the player and the club. The club has been trying to secure it for a while. So perhaps progress will be made there. However, there has been no update.
Hatate was reportedly interested in joining former manager Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham last summer, but Brighton of the Premier League also expressed a serious interest. Additionally, he was connected to French and Saudi Arabian clubs. Rodgers will receive a big boost from his return to fitness ahead of the Champions League group stage start against Feyenoord.
