Celtic have unveiled the final of the three early January transfer additions as Reo Hatate arrived at Lennoxtown this morning.
The 22-year old is the last of the three signings from the J-League to arrive in Glasgow as the club announced that the midfielder will wear the number 41 and is ready to get to work ahead of the second half of the campaign.
?️ "I am extremely honoured to finally be able to wear this historical uniform." #CelticFC's new number 4⃣1⃣, Reo Hatate can't wait to get started at Paradise! ?
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— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 8, 2022
With the nature of these early deals by Ange Postecoglou, it allows all three players – Daizen Maeda, Yosuke Ideguchi and Hatate – time to settle in with their new teammates at Lennoxtown and prepare for another busy up-and-coming schedule once the winter break comes to an end.
Hatate joins the club, with fans excited to see what the talented Japanese youngster can do, given the rave reviews from his homeland after just two years playing of top-flight football.
Speaking to the club website for the first time since joining the Hoops, Hatate insisted he cannot wait to play in front of the Parkhead crowd, after only being able to experience it through the form of pictures and videos.
“I am extremely honoured to finally be able to wear this historical uniform.
“I’ve only been able to see Celtic Park on videos and pictures, so I’m really excited to finally be able to experience this great stadium and I’m extremely looking forward to meeting the fans and playing in front of them.
“As a Japanese, it’s really exciting to see a manager who has experience in Japan and in the international stage.
“In Japan, I have always played against his teams but I’ve always observed and thought his way of playing is very strategical and attacking, so it’s extremely fun for the audience.”
The Celtic squad is undoubtedly beginning to take shape, with all three of the January signings in Glasgow, nice and early. Now, Postecoglou will be looking forward to getting to work ahead of his sides, return to action a week on Monday.
