Celtic expert: Reo Hatate ‘ready’ for Premier League move after source’s Brighton reveal
Frank McAvennie has claimed Reo Hatate is the only Celtic player who could make the step up to the Premier League.
But, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker insisted Hatate will stay at Parkhead for “a couple of years”.
Last week (29 March), sources told this site that Brighton are plotting to sign the 25-year-old and have been scouting the midfielder this season.
The Japan international has been attracting interest from other Premier League clubs, as well as teams in Europe throughout an impressive season for the Green and Whites.
Hatate joined the Glasgow giants in 2022 from Japanese side Kawaski Frontale for a reported fee of £1.4million on a deal running until 2026.
The versatile midfielder has become a mainstay in Ange Postecoglou’s side, having made 38 appearances so far this season.
Hatate has been sidelined with an injury since before the international break and his absence has been noticeable.
McAvennie suggested Hatate is the only Celtic player capable of the jump to the English top flight.
“I think he is the one player, before Jota and all that, he is the one that could do the step up,” he told Football Insider.
“But I do not think he is ready yet. I think he is enjoying everything about Celtic at the moment.
“There is not many clubs that you can play in front of 60,000 fans every other week. He is adored. People keep asking about Hatate, Jota, the manager and they are all going to move, I am not stupid, but not yet.
“I do not think they are ready yet, I think we will see Hatate for a couple of years to come.“
In other news, Celtic and Rangers race to sign Burnley sensation Jack McEvilly.