Celtic’s Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate has been at the centre of contract extension talks, with previous reports suggesting he rejected an offer to extend his stay beyond 2016. Talks were revealed to be not dead, but Reo and his representatives wanted to delay any negotiations until after the transfer window.
Despite being offered a significant amount to move to Saudi Arabia, Reo’s ambition lies in European football. Currently out with a calf injury, the situation has been closely monitored by fans and the media alike.
In a fresh twist, RecordSport claims that Celtic sources are confident of reaching a deal with Reo. The rejection to this point appears to be due to the wage rise offered, which, while significant, was not on a par with Kyogo Furuhashi’s or Daizen Maeda’s deals. Both players signed new four-year contracts in the summer, and it seems Reo’s camp is looking for terms that reflect his value to the team.
The situation with Reo Hatate continues to evolve, with both camps remaining positive that a deal can be reached. The willingness to negotiate and the confidence expressed by Celtic sources suggest that the club recognises Reo’s importance and is committed to finding common ground.
Celtic fans can take heart from the latest developments, as the prospect of keeping Reo at Celtic Park beyond his current deal seems increasingly likely. The coming weeks will be crucial, but the positive stance from both sides bodes well for a successful resolution. The story of Reo Hatate’s contract extension is far from over, and Celtic supporters will be eagerly awaiting further updates.
