CHRIS Sutton has shared his thoughts on Reo Hatate’s recent contract extension with Celtic, expressing relief that the Japanese midfielder’s contract situation has been resolved.
Hatate signed a new five-year deal on Friday, committing his future to the club until 2028.
Sutton believes that with the contract situation settled, Hatate’s primary focus should be on regaining his fitness and top form after he’s missed the majority of the games so far due to injury.
The summer brought a wave of speculation surrounding Hatate, with the player unsettled with interest from other clubs, and was wanting to wait until the transfer window had shut before he engaged in transfer talks.
In the Daily Record, Sutton wrote;
Chris Sutton sees Reo Hatate’s new contract as a positive development, allowing the player to concentrate on his game without the distractions of contract uncertainties and transfer speculations.
The expectation is clear: Hatate needs to rediscover and surpass his form from last season, fulfilling his potential as one of Celtic’s standout players.
