The news this morning was not what we all wanted to hear first thing about Reo Hatate. The Saudi’s are throwing money around like it’s going out of date after some impressive captures to the Middle East in recent days. It was always only going to be a matter of time before the domino effect came into play after the first one was convinced to head for the non-entity that is Saudi Arabian football for exorbitant wages.
In fairness, the English started it so it can hardly be surprising to anyone that the Saudi’s are now willing to up the ante and go the extra mile and several more to legitimise their footballing environment with class names. However, when Reo’s name was mentioned earlier today it was out of the blue and also a tad concerning regardless of how much of a backwater it is over there in football terms.
As we’ve seen with Postecoglou, the chance to set yourself up for life can prove too tempting at times, even for managers and players with a strong love and bond for Celtic. Reo’s agent has come out and dismissed any notion that the player could be heading for pastures new and be the latest name to follow the craze that has hit European football like a sledgehammer this summer transfer window.
Reo Hatate of Celtic during the Cinch Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on May 13, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Even in such a case, the Celtic heirarchy should not contemplate selling Reo Hatate unless it is a crazy bid for his services. No offers from Brighton and Hove Albion and the like should be entertained. If Declan Rice is going for over £100 million, it’s time we all started getting serious about players values in this Celtic squad. I’ve heard anything above £20 million would be considered – that’s just utter lunacy. Double that figure and we might think about it.
Reo Hatate of Celtic celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Aberdeen FC at on February 18, 2023 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Time to start having some gumption when it comes to our players’ and their inherent value and worth to the squad and this league. Oh and good to hear later in the day that Reo Hatate is NOT interested in going to Saudi Arabia.
Paul Gillespie