Celtic star Reo Hatate backed to complete Tottenham move – expert
Reo Hatate is the only Celtic player ready for the Premier League.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Rangers defender Alan Hutton is interested to see if Hatate would be able to handle the pressure of the English top flight.
The 25-year-old has been linked with an exit throughout the season but especially since Ange Postecoglou’s departure for Tottenham.
As quoted by the Daily Record (14 June), the Japan international said that he wants to move to one of the top five leagues in Europe if he leaves Celtic.
The midfielder admitted that although he is happy at Parkhead, he wants to “take on the challenge” if a new opportunity is there.
Hatate’s current contract runs until 2026 after joining from Kawasaki Frontale last January.
Hutton suggested the midfielder is the only one capable of following Postecoglou south of the border.
“I am really interested to see how this plays out,” he told Football Insider.
“Not from a Rangers point of view but to see if he can go down there and handle that. He has done so well and has been a breath of fresh air since he came to Celtic.
“You always hear these rumours circulating if your own manager moves to another club. I do potentially think that Hatate has got the opportunity with his age, he is still young, to go down there.“
Hatate made 45 appearances for the Celts across all competitions this season.
In those outings he scored nine goals and provided 11 assists.
In other news, Celtic £25m striker plan revealed.