Talks with Reo Hatate and Liel Abada are ongoing, according to reports, despite Hatate rejecting the club’s initial offer of an extended stay at Celtic Park. The Celtic Star reported the news earlier this morning that the Japan international and his representatives have refused Celtic’s first offer and that could have led many to believe that Reo is wanting out of the club.
However, as our Editor has already detailed previously on the subject today, Hatate will fancy another crack at the UEFA Champions League group stages with the club as it’s highly doubtful he will get a club that plays in Europe’s Premier club competition if he were to depart Parkhead at this moment in time.
That’s not to say that at some point down the line, if he shows his true potential when he returns from injury, that he can be courting interest from those sort of sides. After all, he was great last season in the Champions League against Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk and RB Leipzig.
If Hatate wishes to put himself in that kind of shop window, it would make sense to sign a new deal in the interim and get himself more money for his efforts in a Celtic shirt. At the same time, the club’s interests are protected and one of their major assets will maintain its value and perhaps, with more top performances on the continent, appreciate in value even more for next summer transfer window. Fattening our goose as it were.
Well, there has been developments to those stories that Hatate has rejected our proposal and that he and his agents are open to a contract extension, however, they are waiting to the transfer window has closed – presumably in the off-chance that a major player comes calling for his services. It’s highly doubtful considering he’s injured currently too, but both Stephen McGowan of the Scottish Daily Mail and Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports has confirmed the talks are still ongoing at this stage.
McGowan states in his article on the Hatate issue:
“Reo Hatate has asked Celtic to place talks over a new contract on hold until the end of the transfer window. Representatives for the Japanese international are in discussions with the Scottish champions over an extension to his current deal. Celtic want Hatate and Israeli winger Liel Abada to commit to new agreements before the end of the window. Currently under contract until 2026, figures close to Hatate say he could still commit to a new agreement in Glasgow.”
Meanwhile, Joseph of Sky Sports has taken to Twitter to confirm that both Liel Abada and Hatate are in talks with the Hoops in respect a new deal and improved terms, saying:
“Celtic have opened contract talks with Liel Abada & Reo Hatate. They’re offering improved terms & extensions to their current deals. It’s understood Hatate has rejected 1st offer from the club, but is open to negotiation. Talks ongoing with both players.”
Celtic have opened contract talks with Liel Abada & Reo Hatate.
They’re offering improved terms & extensions to their current deals.
It’s understood Hatate has rejected 1st offer from the club, but is open to negotiation.
Talks ongoing with both players
(w/@SkySportsLyall) pic.twitter.com/zeW726FMV9
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) August 23, 2023
Paul Gillespie
