(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Thu 28 May 2026 12:15, UK

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Celtic are already planning to accept an offer for midfielder Reo Hatate after he has fallen down the pecking order of late, sources have told Football Insider.

The Bhoys view this summer as their “best opportunity” to cash in on the Japanese star as he heads into the final two years of his contract, and they won’t stand in his way if the right offer comes in.

Sources say that the Glasgow giants have already moved on from the 28-year-old in terms of their long-term plans, and they will look to offload him to make way for further additions this summer.

Hatate didn’t start a single game for Celtic after the split in the Scottish Premiership, and wasn’t even in the matchday squad for the title decider against Hearts or their Scottish Cup Final victory.

Celtic are facing a summer of change in the squad amid their ongoing managerial uncertainty, but Hatate is undoubtedly one star who they are keen to see the back of.

Reo Hatate’s influence at Parkhead fading dramatically

Hatate has been a hugely important figure for Celtic in recent years, and he has played a significant role in many of their title triumphs.

In last season’s campaign under Brendan Rodgers, the midfielder starred with 10 goals and four assists in the league, while also adding a further three goal involvements in Champions League action.

However, it has been a totally different story for him this time around, as he has managed just four goal contributions in the Premiership, and has only started half of his team’s games in that competition.

Martin O’Neill has gradually pushed him to the edges of the group in recent months, culminating in his absence from the biggest game of the club’s season against Hearts on the final day.

That immediately put the writing on the wall in terms of his future at Parkhead, and the Bhoys are now planning to take the first opportunity they get to move him on ahead of next season.

Hatate has been a valuable member of the Celtic squad since he joined from Kawasaki Frontale back in 2021, but there is now a feeling that his time in Glasgow has reached its natural conclusion.

Celtic weigh up Robbie Keane swoop

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Celtic have Robbie Keane on their list of managerial targets, after he resigned from his post at Ferencvaros recently.

The Hoops view the 45-year-old as a potential option to take the reins at Parkhead in the coming months, although he is not seen as a leading candidate at the moment.

The Celtic hierarchy are still trying to persuade O’Neill to extend his stint for one more season, making a move for Keane unlikely at this stage.

Nevertheless, he is undoubtedly a boss who is on the radar at Celtic Park, and he is expected to have plenty of options open to him for his next move.