Celtic star hands in transfer request

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has informed the Scottish giants of his desire to leave the club during the upcoming summer transfer window after falling out of favour last season.

The 28-year-old made a total of 47 appearances across all competitions for Martin O’Neill’s side last term, but he only started seven league matches out of a possible 21 after Christmas and he is now eager to explore a transfer.

Hatate was one of the first signings of the Ange Postecoglou era at Celtic Park and he has helped the club win nine trophies during an illustrious four-and-a-half year spell in Glasgow. However, he has told the Celtic hierarchy that he wants to leave this summer, as confirmed by The Herald.

The Japan midfielder, who wasn’t selected for the 2026 World Cup, reportedly believes that a transfer away is the best option for all parties and although he is yet to receive a formal offer, there is interest from several clubs across world football.

Hatate has scored 33 goals in 189 games for Celtic and with two years remaining on his current contract, the reigning Scottish Premiership champions will be hopeful of agreeing a sale for a higher fee than the €1.53 million they paid to sign him from Kawasaki Frontale in January 2022.

Analysis: What transfer business will Celtic do this summer?

Celtic are set for a major squad overhaul when the summer window opens, in part due to the fact that loanees Julian Araujo, Tomas Cvancara, Benjamin Arthur, Junior Adamu and Joel Mvuka have all returned to their parent clubs.

In addition, the likes of Arne Engels, Daizan Maeda and Hatate have been heavily linked with permanent exits, while the futures of Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remain fairly uncertain.

Meanwhile, Celtic are expected to back O’Neill in the transfer market this summer, with a number of forwards believed to be on their radar, including Plymouth Argyle duo Lorent Tolaj and Bim Pepple, and Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh.

Go Ahead Eagles attacker Jakob Breum, Brondby midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic and Sabah FK winger Aaron Malouda have also been heavily linked with a Celtic Park transfer as the club look to bolster their squad for another title charge next season.