Celtic expert urges Reo Hatate not to quit now after source’s Brighton reveal
Reo Hatate would be “silly” to leave Celtic this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie urged Hatate to wait another year before moving to the Premier League.
The 25-year-old was brought to Parkhead by former boss Ange Postecoglou last January (2022) and his current contract runs until 2026.
The Japan international has been heavily scouted by Brighton, as revealed by Football Insider in March.
But since Postecoglou’s departure for Tottenham, fans are worried their star midfielder could follow the former manager south of the border.
McAvennie urged Hatate to hold off on his big move.
“I think Hatate will go but I think he would be silly to go now,” he told Football Insider.
“Another year and he will be ready to walk in to any team. If he goes now he will not be ready because he still has to get up to pace.
“He will get a good run this year, game time, European football.
“I think he is the main guy that could do very, very well in England. If he goes now he is not going to get a game every week. He is better staying where he is for now and go to England when he is ready to walk into a team.“
As quoted by The Herald (12 June), said he had a “solid season” at Parkhead this year and was pleased he was able to keep his place despite the impressive talent.
The midfielder added that he gets a different sense of “fulfilment and achievement” every time he wins a trophy with the Hoops.
In other news, Rodgers stance on letting star striker leave Celtic.