The final stage of the transfer window is nearly upon Celtic and movement is expected in both directions before the end of the month.
Supporters will share a sense of excitement and trepidation when evaluating what business may occur ahead of the deadline.
On the one hand, there is optimism that a handful of incomings could arrive to strengthen Brendan Rodgers’ squad. However, the other side of the coin is there is always room for outgoings, with other clubs in the market desperate to secure marquee additions.
It hasn’t been a straightforward window due to two international tournaments taking place between June and July. Unfortunately, Celtic have become one of the many teams in world football affected because of this, either by circumstance or by design, you pick.
Consequently, you would expect a late flurry of activity on the market. That could be bittersweet for the reigning Scottish Premiership champions if recent reports are anything to go by.
Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate’s Celtic future in focus
There is only one place to start, so let me take you through it. Today, Brighton & Hove Albion have tabled an offer for Matt O’Riley and the Seagulls are now locked in talks to try and force through a transfer.
Taking his place in a chain of transfer movement, the Denmark international could replace Billy Gilmour on the South Coast amid Napoli’s admiration for the Scotland international, per Fabrizio Romano.
Rest assured, I am aware that most people reading this will have already seen Brighton’s proposal for O’Riley circulate earlier today.
They may also have seen journalist Chris Wheatley’s latest offering on Reo Hatate’s future, as he has provided information surrounding the Japanese midfielder’s status via his official X account.
He stated: “Leicester City among the teams monitoring Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate. 26-year-old is keen on moving to the Premier League this summer, with interest from Spain and Italy too.”
Last month, 67 Hail Hail told that Leicester City were mulling over making a potential offer for Hatate. Rodgers was said to be unlikely to sanction a sale at the time, something we can all agree would be in the best interest of this football club.
It should be noted that no claims at that point indicated that the former Kawasaki Frontale man would be open to a new chapter in the Premier League. Whether that is true or not is irrelevant; he cannot be allowed to leave, in my opinion.
Celtic can’t afford to lose Hatate and O’Riley in the same month
Reading between the lines, some in Scottish football circles will play devil’s advocate when considering why Celtic may sanction a sale for O’Riley from an internal perspective.
The Danish international’s stock has never been higher, and any departure would likely break the Bhoys transfer record of £25 million received for Jota last summer.
Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels has reportedly been identified as a potential replacement for the man who delivered 19 goals and 18 assists last season. It would be sore if O’Riley was sold, but player trading in modern football creates an unavoidable food chain that carries a sense of dread and inevitability. I’m not too fond of it; we’ll leave it at that.
Nevertheless, Hatate cannot and should not be allowed to depart if so. In that scenario, two-thirds of an engine room that has dominated Scottish football for the last three years would be gone, with under two weeks to replace them.
Rodgers has already hinted that he would like two midfielders to replace O’Riley [BBC Sport]. Presumably, if Hatate were to leave, that would stretch the number required to three bodies.
Four players have been dealt in this entire window. With extra energy in the middle of the park already a priority, supporters would rather anyone brought would be to supplement the squad, rather than a panic-induced late dash to secure two starting figures before the deadline.
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