Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has signed a new five-year contract with the club, committing his future until 2028.
The Japanese star has impressed since signing for the Bhoys under Ange Postecoglou. He’s been hampered by injury and fitness issues in the early days of the Brendan Rodgers era but is now ready to push on and help deliver more success.
The Celtic boss is delighted to see him agree terms, telling the club’s official website: “It is great news for both Reo himself and for the team and the Club. I have had some great discussions with him in recent weeks, I know he loves the club and our supporters and how ambitious he is to bring more success to the club.
“Reo has already shown us what a talent he is, making a great contribution to the team since he has joined Celtic.’ He is a huge talent, an exciting young player with great attributes and someone who can change a game.
“I know he is the type of man and player, though, who doesn’t want to rest. He is hungry to improve every day and achieve more and more to be the very best he can be – and Celtic is a great place for him to do this. We go forward now together with real confidence and I really look forward to continuing our work with him and the rest of the squad as we face all our challenges ahead.”
The player himself is clearly buzzing with the development too, stating: “I am delighted to agree this new contract with Celtic and commit my future to the Club. I love playing for Celtic in front of the best fans around and I hope we can have more and more success together.
“We have a lot of challenges ahead of us this season and beyond, both in Scotland and in the Champions League, and we are all ready as a team to tackle these together. We will give everything we have to bring our fans more good times. I have had the best welcome ever since I joined the club and I want to thank all our fans for the great support they continue to give to us all.”
Hatate, who has already made 71 appearances for the club in total, is a classy and talented midfielder. He has a range of passing and a devilish attacking intent that no-one else in that central area has.
It’s crucial we get him up to speed this season and impressing for the Bhoys. At his best, most opponents in Scotland can’t deal with him. With the ambition to impress in Europe too, we can all feel excited about his full potential.
In other news, Celtic announce great Mitchel Frame news after Premier League interest.
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