Reo Hatate turns down new Celtic contract amidst significant transfer interest
Reo Hatate, a key player for Celtic Football Club, has reportedly declined an offer to extend his contract with the Scottish Premiership champions. The news comes as a blow to the club who had initiated discussions regarding new contracts with several players.
Hatate’s current agreement extends until 2026 and negotiations were underway between him and Parkhead executives about extending this further. However, it appears that these talks have not been fruitful according to reports from the Scottish Sun.
The Japanese international midfielder has expressed interest in playing in one of the top five leagues. This ambition coupled with attention from Saudi clubs could be contributing factors towards his decision.
Hatate’s performances under former manager Ange Postecoglou earned him considerable praise. Despite starting on the bench in both of Celtic’s Premiership openers before his injury, he made significant contributions when called upon.
Brendan Rodgers’ Take On The Situation
In light of multiple injuries within the squad, Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s coach, emphasized resilience. He acknowledged frustration but stressed their focus should remain on utilizing available talent effectively rather than dwelling on absences.
Rodgers highlighted Ibrox as an ideal venue for demonstrating strength despite adversity. He encouraged his team to maintain performance levels irrespective of circumstances, asserting that doing so would always give them a fighting chance.
