Celtic player offered to Palmeiras by intermediaries, club responds
Despite the winter transfer window being closed, Celtic are still doing business.
The Hoops managed to bring in five new players before deadline day as they look to win the Scottish Premiership title.
Now, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is on the verge of signing for Celtic, adding to their midfield roster.
The 32-year-old has been a free agent since he was released by Besiktas in August.
However, the addition of the former Liverpool star could mean exits, with Reo Hatate now being offered out by the Hoops.
Palmeiras reject offer to sign Celtic’s Reo Hatate
Palmeiras have been active in the UK markets in recent days as they look to heavily improve their squad.
The Brazilian club are on the hunt for Wolves duo Jhon Arias and Pedro Lima, with Palmeiras agreeing on a fee to sign the former player.
On top of this, according to Nosso Pelestra on 6 February, Palmeiras were also offered Hatate in recent days.
The 28-year-old central midfielder was presented to the Brazilian club through intermediaries.
🗣️ “I spoke to him this morning. I think he wants to come, and I think he’s coming.”
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 6, 2026
Martin O’Neill says he is “delighted” after confirming ex-Arsenal and Liverpool player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will join the club, with a medical set for over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/kW4D5Oi1It
However, Palmeiras have rejected the approach, believing that the midfielder does not fit the profile of the club.
Hatate has struggled at Celtic this season, with a string of bad performances resulting in him being benched at the Hoops.
How long does Hatate have left on his contract?
If Celtic are trying to get rid of Hatate, they may face a bit of a task to offload the Japan international.
The midfielder is currently contracted to the club until 2028, meaning a sale will have to be completed if they want him off their books anytime soon.
Hatate’s importance at the Hoops has no doubt declined in recent years, and with the Old Firm side in need of a shake-up, it is no wonder that the 28-year-old is being offered out. However, if Hatate wants to stay at Celtic Park, all he may have to do is wait until the summer.
As it stands, O’Neill is set to depart at the end of the season, meaning a new manager will have to come in.
Therefore, Hatate may just have to outwait O’Neill, and then the new coach could restore him as a regular starter back in the lineup.