All the talk is around Celtic needing to bring in players this month.
But what about the possibility of players heading for the exit door? And would Celtic allow any big-name stars to leave?
When Brendan Rodgers was in charge last January, Kyogo Furuhashi left for Rennes, which surprised many, but by then, the Hoops had the title wrapped up, even though they were still fighting in the Champions League.
One name that was mentioned to Peter Grant on Go Radio was Reo Hatate, who hasn’t been himself or played to his high standards for a very long time now.
How much would you sell Reo Hatate for?
Is Reo Hatate’s time at Celtic coming to an end?
Hatate has been one of Celtic’s best players since he signed for the club in 2022, when Ange Postecoglou was in charge.
Grant stated on Go Radio that the now-interim coach, O’Neill, would have already ‘sensed’ that Hatate’s time could be up in Glasgow, even if he doesn’t leave during the January transfer window.
You can’t see Hatate leaving this month, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is out the door in the summer.
Paul Cooney: “Hatate is being mentioned again; it’s probably time for him to go somewhere else. You can’t afford to let him go just now.”
Grant: “I think the thing is, you sense that. That’s where Martin will come to the fore. He’s an experienced manager. He sees it around the dressing room. He gets the feel of the players. He won’t say too much, but he will know what’s going on in the training ground.
“What’s his attitude like? He has had all these experienced players. Martin likes to bring in ready-made players – I think that’s what Martin will be looking for now.”
Hatate’s Celtic career in numbers
When the dust has settled, Hatate will go down as a Celtic legend, a favourite of the fans, and a player who, when he was on it, was an utter joy to watch.
But you can just feel that, for far too long now, his performances just haven’t been there, and it is time to move on and refresh.
Hopefully, the Japanese maestro can leave by having one last dance and guiding Celtic to the Premiership title.
- Games: 172
- Goals: 31
- Assists: 31
- Trophies: 8
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