Clubs are interested in Reo Hatate but only top dollar will tempt Celtic

It’s been rumoured that a couple of French clubs have been linked with Reo Hatate. Big spending Saudi clubs are also reportedly keen on the Japanese playmaker, although his agent earlier this summer dismissed any notion of the midfielder leaving Europe at this stage in his career.

With Hatate stalling over a new deal, this reported interest could have some substance to it. The big question is, how much are these clubs prepared to pay for his services? Hatate appears to have rejected Celtic’s initial offer but negotiations will continue after the transfer window closes – if Hatate remains at the club.

These unnamed French sides might bulk at Celtic’s financial demands but the Saudi clubs would pay whatever price without blinking an eye.

What price is fair for a player of Reo’s talent? Well considering the amount of average players who go for obscene amounts nowadays, especially in the EPL, I would say he’s worth around £40 million. I’m not for one minute saying we will get that figure, there’s not a chance we will. Realistically we will be, well we should be looking at around the £20-£25 million figure. What those two valuations illustrates is that there is value for any club buying Hatate at the maximum realistic price Celtic would get for the player and that’s upwards of £20m.

That’s fair for a player of Reo’s ability. He’s as important to us as Jota was and he went for the same price. Fairs fair. The big question is, will the club sell him so close to the window closing? Yes Celtic will if the price is met.

FLASH ZONE report: “A Ligue 1 club has inquired about the situation of Reo Hatate. Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli are interested. Celtic are open to the idea of ​​a sale for if a club matches the financial terms demanded.”

That’s a risky strategy with only days remaining of the transfer window. Another thing is that the Saudi window is still open for another few weeks after the European window shuts. If the club are considering selling him, they better be prepared to let Brendan replace him before then.

Hatate of course is currently injured and any club would be daft to sign an injured player. You would never catch Celtic doing that would you?

Just an Ordinary Bhoy