The latest transfer story surrounding Reo Hatate looks like one Celtic supporters can forget about, at least as far as Panathinaikos are concerned.
Reports had linked the Japanese midfielder with a move to Athens, but Greek outlet Gazzetta has poured cold water on the whole thing, describing the Hatate story as a “scenario without basis”.
So Panathinaikos are not backing away from a deal. There doesn’t appear to have been one there in the first place.
That still leaves Celtic with the bigger issue, though. What happens with Hatate between now and the end of the window?
It would be a surprise if his name simply disappeared from the transfer conversation.
Martin O’Neill has already acknowledged Hatate’s desire for a fresh challenge and, after four and a half years in Glasgow, you can understand why the player might feel the time is right. He has also spoken before about wanting to see how far he can take his career in Europe.
Celtic don’t have to accommodate that ambition at any price. Hatate is contracted until 2028 and if somebody wants him, they should have to pay properly for him.
There will probably be mixed feelings among the support if he does go.
The Hatate who arrived in January 2022 was a joy to watch. Within weeks he had produced that extraordinary performance against Rangers at Celtic Park, scoring twice and setting up another in the 3-0 win that sent Celtic top of the league.
For a player who had barely unpacked his bags, it was some introduction.
We’ve seen plenty of that Hatate since. The disguised passes, the goals from distance , he has been part of some massive miments. We’ve also seen the frustrating side. His form has come and gone, injuries haven’t helped, and by the end of last season he was no longer guaranteed a place in O’Neill’s team.
What Celtic cannot do is allow another midfielder to leave and assume the squad will cope.
Paulo Bernardo has already gone out on loan and Arne Engels has completed his move to West Ham. Mika Baur has come through the door, but if Hatate follows Engels out, Celtic would be losing another player who knows the club, knows the demands and has played at Champions League level.
There is a lot of football ahead, and Celtic’s midfield cannot be allowed to become thinner while the club are trying to compete domestically and in Europe.
Panathinaikos, according to the information coming out of Greece, isn’t happening.
Hatate leaving Celtic still might.
And if Celtic believe there is a genuine chance of that happening before the deadline, they should already know exactly who they want to replace him.
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