Celtic’s January transfer window is primarily focused on incomings.
And that’s little wonder; Martin O’Neill has been crystal clear that Celtic are working hard on supplementing his squad.
Wednesday’s 1-0 win against Falkirk was a crucial step in the title race, given that leaders Hearts won again.
But less crucial steps are being taken in the transfer market, as full-back Julian Araujo remains Celtic’s only January signing halfway through the month.
Given what’s at stake, it seems unthinkable that the Hoops would consider selling any first team players – but one journo thinks that it’s a possibility.
What would you do?
Celtic’s Reo Hatate ‘one to watch’ after Martin O’Neill admission
Hatate is in his fifth season at Celtic, having been signed by Ange Postecoglou in January 2022.
Capable of the spectacular, there has always seemingly been something holding Hatate back from getting a big move.
READ MORE: Callum McGregor says Celtic’s ‘mentality is back’ under Martin O’Neill after Falkirk win
But that doesn’t rule it out, as far as Scottish journalist Robert Grieve is concerned.
He said on the Set Piece: “They’ve still got top players… I still think there’s an issue – and I mentioned this to Martin O’Neill [on Tuesday] – I think there’s an issue with Reo Hatate.
“I really think there’s an issue with Reo Hatate. I think that’s one to watch. His body language, for me, is all wrong.
“Engels scored at the weekend, every player runs to Engels to celebrate, one player doesn’t: Reo Hatate. He got substituted late in the second half, comes off, says something to the bench; straight up the tunnel.
“I don’t think that would go down particularly well behind the scenes. I think he looks like a player who’s got his eye on a move. I genuinely think that’s one to watch.
“Reo Hatate is potentially the best player in the country if he’s on his game – but he’s not been on his game for a long time.
“And I genuinely think that’s one to watch. Whether there’s going to be interest there…
“I mentioned this to Martin O’Neill yesterday, he didn’t want to speak about specifics, but he said that the Japanese players have the World Cup around the corner, and they may be looking at how things could pan out.”
How much would you sell Reo Hatate for?
Celtic’s January transfer window so far
Ironically, the Araujo signing was completed by Wilfried Nancy, less than a week before he was sacked.
The Mexican full-back has started the last two games under O’Neill however, and still holds pedigree as a Premier League player who was signed by Barcelona a few years ago.
In terms of outgoings, Hayato Inamura was the first, joining FC Tokyo for more playing time in his home country.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey’s loan was terminated, leading to Stephen Welsh returning to Glasgow. Simpson-Pusey now plays for FC Koln in the Bundesliga.
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