Reo Hatate’s Celtic days look increasingly numbered.
Shaun Maloney was asked about Hatate’s future and has admitted that a departure is likely.
A recent report claimed the midfielder was of interest to an unnamed English Championship side. However, England’s deadline is at 11 pm on Tuesday; therefore, any deal would need to be swift. The same report said a return to Japan was unlikely to materialise.
Hatate expressed his desire to leave the club back in June; many are surprised that he is still a Celtic player this late in the window
He wasn’t in the matchday squad for the 2-1 win over Falkirk at the weekend, with Martin O’Neill saying he had ruled himself out of contention through injury. Maloney has now touched on a potential departure.
“I think it’s possible, yes. I have watched Reo Hatate for a long time now”, Maloney said (Celtic Player).
“I have coached against him and I think he is a brilliant player. I think what he has done at the club has been really, really good. He has won many titles here.
“If he does, I will personally miss him. I think he has been a brilliant player. If he does move on, then we will remember how good a player he was for this club.”
Four-and-a-half years of service, 10 Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups, and two League Cups. Hatate has had his critics, but he will leave after a trophy-laden spell.
His exit would bring an end to the Japanese dynasty started under Ange Postecoglou. It’s sad to see given the memories he created alongside the likes of Kyogo and Daizen Maeda.
Hatate’s next destination remains unknown, and his departure won’t come as a surprise, but many supporters will remember some of the great performances he put in.
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