REO HATATE was part of Ange Postecoglou’s J-League raid, with the Aussie boss bringing four players from Japan to Scotland in his first year in charge.
He had a successful start in Scotland, but the season he had completed in Japan had caught up to him and tiredness set in.
After winning two championships n Japan, the 24-year-old was keen to embark on a new challenge. Leaving Japan can be challenging. It’s a relatively untapped market filled with quality.
However, Postecoglou already knew Hatate and knew what he had to offer. So, he gave the midfielder a chance to make it at a big European club that challenges for every trophy.
After winning the league in Japan, Hatate came to Scotland to help Celtic fight back from second place. He did so successfully and lifted his second championship in six months.
Reo opened up on his transfer to Celtic, saying; [Football Scotland]
“I wanted to go abroad, but I didn’t think I would get this transfer.
“I wanted to win the J-League. Then I won the league with Celtic.
“I didn’t think I would be able to play in the Olympics but it was postponed for a year.
“Maybe I had some luck, but it’s all been very fulfilling.
“It was amazing to win the J-League for the second time in a row and then go to Celtic, who were competing for the championship. I feel really blessed and I need to thank my team-mates.
Hatate will be desperate for the season to start back. He will know that his performance levels dropped as the season drew closed.
Next season, there could be even more competition for spaces. With David Turnbull back from injury, he’ll be pushing his way into the team, and Matt O’Riley has been extremely impressive since he walked through the door.
