Reo Hatate’s situation at Celtic has gone from concern to full-blown problem.
The Japanese midfielder has endured a torrid run since January, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to argue against the criticism coming his way.
Hatate appeared to be eyeing a move away, with interest last summer and again during the winter window, but nothing materialised. Since then, his performances have nosedived.
There have been costly moments. Against Bologna in Europe, Hatate arguably cost Celtic three points, picking up a second yellow card just minutes after his first and leaving his side short at a crucial stage.
Domestically, his influence has been minimal. He failed to make an impact against Dundee in the cup, conceded the penalty that brought Livingston back into the game, and was hooked at half-time against Kilmarnock after another anonymous display that saw him drift through the first half like an empty jersey.
There is no disputing Hatate’s talent. At his best, he is a dynamic, game-changing midfielder capable of dominating matches.
The problem is that those performances feel increasingly distant. You now have to look back beyond this season to find a game where he truly stood out and drove Celtic forward.
Under Martin O’Neill, trust appears to be wearing thin. Hatate’s body language has been questioned, his decision-making sloppy, and his discipline unreliable. In a title run-in where margins are razor-thin, that is not a combination that inspires confidence.
The latest criticism has come from Robert Grieve, who did not hold back when discussing Hatate on the Press Box podcast.
“Reo Hatate doesn’t want to be there,” he said. “He’s watched moves come and go, probably in the summer, was expecting something in January, it didn’t happen. I don’t think Martin O’Neill can trust him. That’s certainly how I look at it, kind of outside looking in.”
It is a damning assessment, but one that aligns with what many supporters are seeing on the pitch. Celtic cannot afford passengers at this stage of the season.
Hatate still has the ability to turn this around, but time is running out. If he wants a move, he needs to earn it. Right now, he is isn’t.
Hatate has become a liability,maybe time too drop him altogether.