The cash windfall Celtic have landed from last-gasp Burnley transfer deal | OneFootball

Burnley have paid an initial £6.5m to Celtic for Reo Hatate after the midfielder completed a deadline day move to Turf Moor.

Burnley paid Celtic an initial £6.5m for Reo Hatate after sealing a deadline day transfer swoop for the midfielder.

It has been a chaotic summer window for the Clarets, and they went into the final day looking to strengthen the squad in various areas, whilst Zian Flemming and Joe Worrall also secured moves away from Turf Moor.

Even though fans had an idea that those two could depart, along with the arrival of Largie Ramazani, it’s fair to say that the signing of Hatate was out of the blue.

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Burnley agreed £6.5m deal for Celtic’s Reo Hatate

The 28-year-old joined the Glasgow giants in the January window back in 2022, and he enjoyed a hugely successful stint with Celtic, where he won five league titles and four domestic trophies.

During the first few years, Hatate was arguably the standout player in Scotland, but his form dipped in the past two seasons, and he was not a guaranteed starter under Martin O’Neill.

Therefore, a summer move was always expected, and it has been revealed by the Celtic Way that Burnley have paid an initial £6.5m for Hatate.

They explain that add-ons are also part of the deal, and they will presumably be centred on the number of appearances that Hatate makes for the Clarets, as well as if they can win promotion back to the Premier League.

Reo Hatate could be a shrewd signing for Burnley

This is an exciting signing for Burnley, as they have looked very poor in their previous two Championship games, and midfield has been a key factor for that.

So, it would be no surprise if Hatate went straight into the XI when he is eligible to play, and he has attributes that should help the side.

At his best, the Japanese international brings real energy and intensity in the way he tries to win the ball back, which is why he was so important to Ange Postecoglou.

Furthermore, Hatate is also very good on the ball, and he is a midfielder who can chip in with goals and assists.

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But, as outlined above, the former Kawasaki Frontale man has struggled a lot in the past 18 months or so, although there will be a belief that a fresh start could be exactly what he needs to get his career back on track.

If he can do that, then the £6.5m that Burnley have paid could turn out to be a shrewd bit of business, as Hatate could quickly become a firm favourite at Turf Moor. Plus, at 28, he is a player who should be in his peak years.

Burnley’s squad may still be lacking in key areas

Despite the signing of Hatate, which should improve the middle of the park, it’s hard not to think that Burnley have been left short in key areas - notably up top.

The sale of Flemming was a big blow, as he is someone who would’ve guaranteed goals at this level, and he has the ideal physical profile to lead the line on his own.

So, the failure to replace him with a new addition on the final day is a major worry, and when you look at Burnley’s recent performances, it’s naturally a worry for supporters about where they’re heading.

Ultimately, it’s on Hayen to make things better, and it’s still very early days, and it will be interesting to see how things play out over the next few months, and the role that Hatate has in that period.