Sources: Brighton very keen on signing Celtic star Reo Hatate
Brighton are still chasing Celtic star Reo Hatate and are very keen on a summer swoop, sources have told Football Insider.
A number of other Premier League clubs are interested in Hatate’s signature ahead of the upcoming window and the Hoops face a tough task to keep hold of their impressive midfielder.
The 25-year-old’s current contract runs until 2026 after joining the Celts in January 2022 but the Seagulls are pushing to lure him away from Parkhead at the end of the current season.
On 29 March, Football Insider revealed that Roberto de Zerbi’s side have been scouting Hatate during an impressive campaign in Glasgow.
The Japan international has made 40 appearances for the Celts across all competitions this season and has scored eight goals and provided ten assists in those outings.
The playmaker returned to the starting XI for the Hoops’ first post-split fixture and provided the assist for Kyogo Furuhashi’s goal which helped them clinch the title at Tynecastle.
The Hearts game was Hatate’s second time back in the starting lineup after nearly four weeks on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has been full of praise for the versatile midfielder, who has even been drafted at left-back, since his arrival at Parkhead.
Hatate has been included in PFA Scotland’s Premiership team of the year alongside midfield partner Callum McGregor and six other teammates.
The midfield maestro has also been shortlisted for the PFA’s player of the year, one of three Celts to be nominated for the award.
In other news, Celtic favourite likely to agree Premier League move.