Reo Hatate could complete ‘£15m’ Celtic transfer – Keith Wyness
Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Reo Hatate has an “amazing” opportunity to put himself in the shop window at Celtic next season.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Aberdeen between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed the 26-year-old would currently be valued at “£15million”, but could fetch a higher fee with strong showings in the Champions League.
Speaking to Japanese outlet Sportiva (6 July), Hatate revealed his ambition to “play in the Premier League, as well as Spain or Italy.”
The midfielder also insisted he is “really happy” to be able to play at Celtic, where he is under contract until May 2028 after penning a new deal last year (2023).
Hatate made just 17 starts in 21 appearances due to muscle injuries in the 2023-24 campaign, notching three goals and five assists.
The nine-time Japan international joined Celtic in January 2022 and has won three league titles at Parkhead.
Hatate could seal ‘amazing’ Celtic exit, says Wyness
Wyness claimed the Hoops are “in a position where they don’t have to sell” the central midfielder.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “He’s talked about La Liga, and the Premier League in his statements.
“That’s probably come right from his agent, of course, rather than from the player himself.
“He’s put himself in the shop window, but I think Brendan would like to keep him.
“They’re in a position where they don’t have to sell him.
“If he were to go, I’d put him at around £15million – that sort of range. He’s probably worth more than that to Celtic.
“If they get off to a good start in the Champions League, then that’s an amazing shop window for the following summer or even the January window.
“I hope they can hang on to him. There’s a lot of agent talk, which always seems to come when they’re at home and speaking a different language.”
In other news, Celtic close in on striker signing with new bid.
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