Farewell Reo, but it’s for the best | OneFootball

Reo Hatate has called time on his Celtic career after it was announced last night that he had joined English Championship side Burnley for an undisclosed fee…

Reo Hatate of Celtic looks on prior to the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park on May 16, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Japanese playmaker joined Celtic in January 2022 for a reported £2 million, and was an instant hit, showing his undoubted class on his debut against Hibs at Celtic Park, before scoring memorable goals against Hearts.

He then famously registered two fantastic strikes against the Rangers on an unforgettable Derby win under the lights at Celtic Park in early February 2022 as Celtic went back to the top of the league looking down on the Rangers…

Reo went on to be a vital part of the Celtic side under Ange Postecoglou and then Brendan Rodgers, before drifting in and out of the side under Martin O’Neill. The experienced Irishman was less than impressed at Reo after he picked up two silly yellow cards in quick succession in a Europa League match away to Bologna last season.

When Reo was on his game he was totally unplayable. His guile and craft in the middle of the park were a joy to behold, but like every other player he had his weaknesses, and Reo’s were his massive inconsistencies, leading to accusations that he looked somewhat disinterested during games.

Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan battles with Reo Hatate of Celtic during Celtic v AC Milan in a pre-season friendly at Celtic Park on July 25, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

As much as those inconsistencies held him back from being a much better footballer, he still contributed to a flurry of success during his career at Celtic.

191 appearances and 33 goals are testament to Reo’s contribution in a hoops jersey, as he contributed to the nine honours the club won during his four and a half year stay in Glasgow.

Christoph Lang of LASK is tackled by Reo Hatate of Celtic during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 Play off round second leg match between LASK and Celtic at on August 25, 2026 in Linz, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

The writing was clearly on the wall in terms of Reo’s Celtic future last season when he was in and out of the side, and he looked a little disinterested, making no secret of his desire to make a fresh start elsewhere.

Reo’s ambition was to play in one of the ‘top five’ leagues, so Burnley isn’t exactly the move he’d hoped for, but much like Arne Engels he’ll be hoping to reach the EPL in this coming season.

Farewell Reo, you’ll always be fondly remembered, but sometimes a move is best concerned for everyone involved, and this was certainly the case for Reo Hatate and Celtic Football Club.

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. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Hopefully Reo will re-discover his mojo at Burnley and if he does he could be a sensational signing for the Championship side.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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