Reo Hatate looks set to bring the curtain down on his Celtic career this summer, with the Japanese midfielder reportedly informing the club that he wants to leave.
According to Stephen McGowan, Hatate has made his position clear ahead of what is expected to be a major summer of change at Celtic Park.
It would be a significant departure.
Hatate was signed during the first season of the Ange Postecoglou era and quickly became one of the symbols of that dramatic rebuild. Arriving from the J League, he brought energy, intelligence, aggression and technical quality to a Celtic side being reshaped almost from scratch.
Since then, he has collected a remarkable haul of honours.
Five league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups tell their own story. Across 189 appearances, Hatate has played his part in one of the most successful domestic spells in the club’s modern history.
This season also brought moments that reminded everyone of his quality.
In the title race that went right to the final day, Hatate still had a role to play. His second-half performance at Ibrox, when Celtic came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2, was one of those displays where he seemed to drag the team forward through sheer force of will.
When Hatate is at the top of his game, there are few midfielders in Scotland who can live with him.
That has always been the frustration.
For all the brilliance, the big-game moments and the flashes of class, inconsistency has followed him throughout his Celtic career. Injuries have played their part too, but even when available, Hatate has not always found the level that made him such a devastating player in his early days under Postecoglou.
By the final month of the season, he had slipped down the pecking order and was rarely used. That felt telling at the time, and now this latest development suggests both player and club may be heading towards a natural parting of the ways.
Reo Hatate’s Celtic Contract
The player is still signed to a deal until 2028 so the club should be able to get a decent fee for him. Sometimes a player just needs a change of scenery to kick on again.
Many supporters expected Hatate to move on this summer. With Daizen Maeda also likely to leave after not getting his move last year, Celtic could be approaching the end of an era.
The influential Japanese core brought over from the J League by Postecoglou changed the trajectory of the club. They arrived at a time when Celtic badly needed freshness, hunger and belief. They delivered that, and more.
Hatate will leave with imperfections in his Celtic story, but also with huge credit.
His first season was outstanding. His medal haul is exceptional.
If this is the end, he goes with the thanks of a support who know exactly what he gave to the club when Celtic needed it most.
Great player alright on his day, he has my gratitude
Did not cost a lot and gave us good service so best of luck to the lad .
The 3rd best Japanese legend behind Naka and Daizen. Thanks Reo and the best of luck. Hail hail