Reo HatateImago

Celtic fans dumbfounded by Reo Hatate transfer update - 'No offence, but...'

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

18 Aug 2026, 7:50 am

Celtic supporters were left confused and baffled when it emerged that Reo Hatate had rejected several potential moves away from the club.

Reports stated on Monday that the Japan international has turned down offers from Panathinaikos, as well as from an unnamed Austrian side and the United States.

This is despite the 28-year-old midfielder telling Martin O’Neill that he wants to leave Parkhead this summer.

Keen to play in one of the top five leagues, Hatate ruled out the moves on the table and will now hope that an offer presents itself in the final weeks of the window.

However, this news has dumbfounded many Celtic fans, with the midfielder currently not good enough to break into the starting XI.

Hatate is yet to play a single minute in the 2026-27 campaign, and has instead remained an unused substitute in all three opening fixtures.

Reo Hatate eyes top five league move

Hatate’s status in Celtic’s squad has crashed over the past few months.

The midfielder fell out of the starting XI at the back end of the 2025-26 campaign and has not returned since.

Now, with O’Neill strengthening his squad with the likes of Mika Baur, this looks unlikely to change anytime soon.

Therefore, fans were baffled when The Herald revealed that the midfielder is angling for a move to a top-five league this summer and has rejected the current offers on the table.

As a result, many supporters took to X to criticise the decision, fearing that the club could be stuck with him once the transfer window slams shut.

Top 5 League !!!
Guess he’s here for the rest of the season then.
— WatchingTheWorld (@MacAndRosie) August 17, 2026

He’s not put a top 5 league performance in 18 months. Imposter of a player
— G (@Gm2ydl) August 17, 2026

No offence to Hatate, but he is not good enough to play in the top 5 leagues, in my opinion
— Mark McCluskey (@Mark_McC_26) August 17, 2026

Im a celtic fan but hes kidding himself on his celtic career has went the way it has because of him no one else hes too inconsistent and obviously has attitude problems aswell
— josh (@joshmc19971) August 17, 2026

Someone at Celtic needs to give him a reality check....
— Martin Rodgers (@MartinRodg75781) August 17, 2026

Not sure what he’s done to make him think he deserves a move to a top 5 league club
— Max (@Max____67) August 17, 2026

Mr talent, who became mr inconsistent, who then became mr primadona. The love affair is over. Cheers Reo 👋🏼
— Wile e bhoyote (@life_of_wile_e) August 17, 2026

Celtic demand 'seven-figure' Reo Hatate fee

What other business could Celtic complete this summer?

Hajduk Split’s Niko Sigur has been heavily linked with a move to Celtic this summer.

The 22-year-old right-back, who can also play as a midfielder, reportedly wants a move to Parkhead before the transfer window closes.

It would take a significant seven-figure fee to complete a deal for the Canada international, with the Hoops reportedly set to open talks with the Croatian club for Sigur.

However, it remains to be seen if they can get a deal over the line for Sigur as the end of the transfer window edges closer by the day.

Martin O'Neill