Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Thu 28 May 2026 19:00, UK

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Celtic look to have already identified a replacement for Reo Hatate as Benjamin Tahirovic is closely linked with a move to Parkhead.

The Hoops are anticipating a summer of wholesale change after a turbulent 2025-26 saw them clinch the Premiership title on the final day of the season.

Hatate was a regular starter for large parts of the campaign, but was mostly stuck on the sidelines in the latter stages as Martin O’Neill landed on a successful midfield formula.

The Japan international has been widely linked with an exit ahead of the summer window, and now looks to be moving closer to leaving as they eye a new midfield addition.

Brondby midfielder Tahirovic is reportedly at the forefront of Celtic’s transfer plans as it stands, and is surely set to be Hatate’s replacement at Parkhead.

Benjamin Tahirovic lined up to replace Reo Hatate at Celtic

Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Celtic will accept offers for Hatate this summer after he fell down the midfield pecking order under O’Neill.

The 28-year-old has two years left on his contract as it stands, but he failed to start any of their last eight games of the season and was excluded from the matchday squad in their final-day decider against Hearts.

He has often been deployed as a number eight at Celtic in the last few seasons, and Tahirovic’s stats show that he would surely be joining the club to take up Hatate’s place in the squad.

The Bosnian international is a versatile midfielder who is adept in both boxes and has impressive experience in the Europa League, Conference League and Serie A after previous spells at Ajax and Roma.

He would also add more physicality and height to the Hoops’ midfield than Hatate, at six feet three inches tall.

Reports in Tahirovic’s home country state that Brondby are set to demand around £5m for his services, and Celtic are leading Rangers in the race to seal his signature.

They are clearly planning to let Hatate leave this summer, and Tahirovic would be a shrewd addition to replace the outgoing 28-year-old.

How could Brondby’s demands help Celtic this summer?

Reports have also claimed that Brondby want to delay selling Tahirovic until after he features at the World Cup with Bosnia.

They feel like some strong performances from the 23-year-old would help them increase his price tag, but it remains to be seen if he impresses in one of the most unfancied teams of the tournament.

Celtic are not particularly rushing to get their business done anyway, as they are yet to appoint a new permanent boss following Martin O’Neill’s departure.

It would make more sense to delay a move for Tahirovic until their next manager arrives, and so the Hoops will likely be happy to wait until after the tournament to make a move.