Celtic have a number of talented players in their ranks.
The Parkhead club has also had players who have left Celtic to make a success of their careers in the Premier League.
Virgil van Dijk is the most obvious player Celtic fans can point to in their recent history who has been a success down south.
But who in the current Celtic first-team could leave Glasgow and handle it in England’s top-flight?
Frank McAvennie reckons there is only one who could do just that and shares what he’s ‘always said’ about one Celtic hero and the Premier League.
Who out of Reo Hatate & Daizen Maeda could leave Celtic to play in the Premier League
Reo Hatate is a player who Celtic fans know is quality but can also frustrate at the same time.
However, McAvennie reckons out of the midfielder and Daizen Maeda only one of the Celtic duo could make it in England’s top flight.
McAvennie told the Let Me Be Frank podcast [42m 45s], “I’ve always said, you know, I think the only player out of the boys you’re talking about is Hatate that can make it in England.
“I don’t think Maeda, I think he’s very quick, but I don’t think he would get a game down there, honestly.
“Once he gets down there, he’s wonderful in one-on-ones but he’s not a striker. I know he’s a great out, but they’re big boys and you get shoved about. I wish him the best.
“He’s not going, but I’m glad he’s not going because he does a wonderful job.”
What Reo Hatate has said about his Celtic future and the Premier League
Hatate is contracted to Celtic until 2028 so if he was to ever leave the club, they would get top dollar for him.
However, back in July 2024, the Japan midfielder did admit that one of his goals is to finally play in the Premier League.
The Celtic hero said, “There are still many higher leagues [in Europe], so if I can challenge for those leagues, I want to do so. Unless I aim for that, there is no point in continuing as an athlete, so I want to keep aiming high.
“I would like to play in the Premier League, as well as in Spain and Italy, which I am personally interested in.
“For the Japanese national team, the final Asian qualifiers start in September, so I would like to gain experience there again.
“I felt a strong sense of pride in playing for Japan at the Asian Cup, so I would like to become a player who can stand on such a stage more.”
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