Reo Hatate has confirmed that he wants to leave Celtic amid speculation over his future.
The midfielder was bombed out of Martin O’Neill’s squad for the final couple of games of the 2026-27 season, and the interim boss has since agreed a permanent stay.
This theoretically left the writing on the wall for Hatate, who has been linked with an exit for years since his emergence as a star player under Ange Postecoglou.
Though he undoubtedly showed quality last season, his consistency has dropped, making a sale the most sensible outcome this summer.
🗣️ Reo Hatate confirms his desire to leave Celtic…
Reo Hatate ‘not satisfied’ with Celtic career
Hatate told Japanese outlet FERGUS: “I’m not saying I’m satisfied, but I have had the opportunity to play in the Champions League and other high-level leagues.
“I still haven’t been able to play at such a high level for an entire season.
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“I still have that desire to play there. I would like to play in one of the top five leagues, and if possible, in the Europa League or Champions League.
“My goal is to be able to play in a league where I can do that.”
It’s been a sad end to a Celtic career which has seen Hatate hit immense heights. He has made almost 200 appearances for the club, winning nine trophies.
Hatate has been linked with a return to the J-League, but his comments make it clear that he still has eyes on a move to a major league in Europe.
Across four different managerial spells last season, he was in and out of the starting XI, though he returned to an important role in the side during Arne Engels’ spell injured, operating in the midfield three alongside Benjamin Nygren and Callum McGregor.
At his best under Postecoglou, Hatate was a fan favourite, scoring crucial and sublime goals in the Champions League and in Glasgow Derbies.
He was signed as part of a stellar January transfer window under Postecoglou in 2022, along with Matt O’Riley and Daizen Maeda, who is also expected to leave this summer.
Under O’Neill this season, however, Hatate ran out of credit. The 74-year-old recently joked that he’d rather have put his interpreter on the pitch at times this season.
Hatate has also recently been linked with Brazilian giants Palmeiras, whilst Zenit St Petersburg made an attempt to sign him last summer.
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After serious interest in January, the aforementioned Engels is now expected to leave Celtic, with a host of European clubs chasing the 22-year-old.
Much like Hatate, Paulo Bernardo has completely faded away from his position as a regular squad player. He started just six games for Celtic this season.
A stellar debut season by Nygren is also generating interest, and a rapid exit hasn’t been ruled out for the Hoops’ top scorer.
Even captain Callum McGregor hasn’t ruled out an exit, whilst Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract is now up.
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