Reo Hatate’s Celtic exit nears | OneFootball

Interest in Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate is reported to be growing, ahead of a potential departure from Paradise this summer window…

The Japanese midfielder has reportedly handed in an official transfer request at the club, as he seeks pastures new and a totally fresh adventure in his footballing journey. Martin O’Neill has stated that he wouldn’t stand in the player’s way, should he want to find new employment elsewhere, intimating that the time has come for a parting of the ways.

Reo Hatate arrived alongside Daizen Maeda

Ange Postecoglou brought Reo Hatate to the club during that blockbuster transfer window of January 2022, when the Japanese star was joined by two of his countrymen, in the form of the talismanic forward, Daizen Maeda, and Yosuke Idegucci – whose move never quite worked out in comparison to the two aforementioned Japanese imports.

After an underwhelming spell at Celtic Park that has now lasted a while for Hatate, it seems that the time has arrived for both he and the Hoops to break off this love affair, after so many wonderful memories in the past four-years or so.

If and when he does leave, it has been claimed now that he won’t be short of options.

The Herald’s Stephen McGowan has reported that he is being closely monitored by English Championship club West Ham United, as well as clubs in France and even as far afield as the American MLS league.

Alistair Johnston of Celtic on the ball while under pressure from Callum Morrison of Dunfermline during the Scottish Cup Final match between Celtic and Dunfermline at Hampden Park on May 23, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

In his report regarding Everton’s interest in Alistair Johnston and the expectation that they will make a bid soon, the journalist claimed:

“Midfielder Reo Hatate also wants to leave and is attracting interest from English Championship side West Ham as well as clubs in France and MLS.”

With major changes expected in the Celtic team this season under Martin O’Neill, after he was appointed manager on a permanent basis for the second time in his managerial career, Reo is one of a number of players who it is clear the boss doesn’t fancy and doesn’t really trust to the full.

The player had several chances under the Irishman last term but didn’t seize the opportunity and his stupid sending off in Bologna last season clearly irritated the veteran Celtic manager.

Reo Hatate of Celtic challenges for the ball with Yerkin Tapalov of Kairat Almaty during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on August 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Hopefully the club and player can sort an agreement that suits all parties and he can go with our best wishes for all those great memories. Reo Hatate is a player who will always be admired by the Celtic support. On his day he was simply unplayable.

Paul Gillespie

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