Celtic to push Reo Hatate into completing transfer, replacement already lined up

Celtic have decided to sell Reo Hatate in this window as Martin O'Neill aims to bolster his midfield options, sources have told Football Insider.

Hatate has no future at the club under Martin O'Neill after struggling for minutes towards the end of last season.

He failed to start any of their final eight games of the campaign and was not even in the matchday squad when they won the title against Hearts.

The Japanese international midfielder has only featured for 25 minutes off the bench across the club's first four matches of 2026-27.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Celtic have made their final decision to sell Hatate this summer even though he has rejected approaches from overseas.

O'Neill has signed Mika Baur from Paderborn and is looking to complete a move for another midfielder following Arne Engels' big-money exit.

Celtic want Reo Hatate to leave as he holds out for new offers

The 28-year-old has turned down the chance to join Greek side Panathinaikos in the last week, while also snubbing interest from Austrian and American clubs.

Celtic want to force him out of the door by signing a new midfielder before the deadline passes, with minutes then set to be at an even bigger premium for the campaign ahead.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "If Celtic do add to their midfield this summer with more reinforcements, it's only going to push Reo Hatate further down the pecking order. He found himself down the pecking order at the back end of last season under Martin O'Neill as Celtic were going for the title.

"He's going to find it difficult, I think, to break into that Celtic side because of the competition in the engine room. Celtic are obviously open to offers for Hatate, having made him available."

Celtic edging closer to Ermic Mahmic agreement as talks opened

Celtic are looking overseas for new additions as O'Neill prioritises another midfield signing.

Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Celtic hold an interest in Slovan Liberec star Mahmic, who scored twice in three games for Bosnia at the recent World Cup.

Talks have now been opened with the Czech club over a move, with an £8.5m package potentially set to be agreed.