Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to keep hold of his best players this window ahead of another Scottish Premiership title tilt.
Despite no new signings arriving at Parkhead, retaining prize assets will be imperative to achieving further success this term.
Yesterday afternoon, news broke that the Bhoys had rejected a bid worth around £15 million for Matt O’Riley from Serie A outfit Atalanta. Interest is high in the Denmark international, with Southampton, Leicester City and Atletico Madrid remaining tuned into his situation.
The Hoops declined discussions as Rodgers aims to convince talented individuals that their ambition will be matched at Parkhead. Now, Celtic have again rebuffed advances for another pivotal individual.
Celtic reject Reo Hatate approach
According to The Daily Mail, Celtic have rejected an approach for Reo Hatate from an unnamed Russian top-flight club.
The outlet indicate that the Bhoys have turned down the opportunity to negotiate a potential deal, which has been further complicated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which started in 2022.
Celtic are reluctant to lose one of their star men following his magnificent contribution in Glasgow’s east end over the past two-and-a-half years.
Earlier this week, Hatate spoke of his desire to ply his trade at a higher level than the Scottish Premiership, stating: “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.”
Born in Suzuka, the 26-year-old registered three goals and five assists in 21 matches across an injury-hit 2023/24 campaign, per Transfermarkt.
Nevertheless, he is arguably the best midfielder in Scotland when fully fit. Celtic are set for another exciting season, and they can’t afford to lose his services while adequate replacements aren’t forthcoming.
Rodgers and company look to be putting their foot down to try and minimise high-profile exits this window.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
