Reo Hatate may already have played his final match for Celtic.
That absence becomes even more noticeable because Hatate’s last appearance came nearly two weeks ago during the chaotic 3-2 win over Motherwell. He played only 20 minutes that night and has not featured since.
For a player who has been central to Celtic’s midfield over the last five seasons, the drop-off has been dramatic.
Hatate did not start a single Top Six fixture during the title run-in. He was used briefly off the bench against Rangers and Motherwell before disappearing from the squad entirely for the decisive Hearts match last weekend. Now he also misses Hampden.
Martin O’Neill’s midfield choices during the closing weeks of the season probably explain part of it.
Celtic became far more direct once the title race tightened. Arne Engels covered huge ground defensively, Callum McGregor controlled the tempo deeper in midfield and Benjamin Nygren earned trust because of his goals and ability to create chances in tight matches.
Hatate’s qualities are different.
At his best, he controls rhythm and finds passes others cannot see. But this season never really settled for him and his performances drifted too often compared to the standards he set during his first years at Celtic.
But the overall campaign felt below his own level.
There were flashes technically, especially in Europe, yet too many domestic matches passed him by physically and emotionally. Under O’Neill especially, he never fully looked like a midfielder the manager trusted once matches became frantic.
That is why the current situation feels notable.
Hatate is still under contract until 2028, and much could depend on who manages Celtic next season. Another coach may view him completely differently stylistically. The player himself also has a decision to make because interest from abroad has followed him for more than a year now.
Still, being absent entirely for both the Hearts title decider and Scottish Cup Final without injury naturally raises questions.
If this is the end, it feels like a surprisingly quiet finish for one of Celtic’s most naturally gifted midfielders of the modern era.
