Reo Hatate has been linked with a move to Kashima Antlers in his home country of Japan this summer.
The Celtic midfielder was left out of the matchday squad in the team’s last two games of the season and is now widely reported to be slated to leave.
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.
Linked with several European clubs in the past, there is now a rumour that he could return to the J-League.
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Reo Hatate ‘on the radar’ of Kashima Antlers where he could link up with ex-boss Toru Oniki
As per Balon Japan, murmurs are emerging in Japan that Hatate is on the radar of Kashima Antlers, where he could reunite with his ex-manager, Toru Oniki.
The pair previously won four trophies together at Kawasaki Frontale.
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Hatate has just had his most unimpactful season in a Celtic shirt. Across four different managerial spells, he was in and out of the starting XI.
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 Ange Posteocoglou, 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, Arne 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 summer.
A stellar debut season by Benjamin 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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