It’s clear to see Reo Hatate’s worth to the side. We’d have won the treble last season if he’d played in the Scottish Cup final…
July 16, 2025, Faro, Portugal: Reo Hatate of Celtic celebrates a goal during a Pre-Season friendly football match played between Sporting CP and Celtic FC at Estadio Algarve on July 16, 2025 in Faro, Portugal. Faro Portugal – ZUMA Photo Joaquin Corchero
One of the driving forces and vital cogs of our side is undoubtedly Reo Hatate. The Japanese playmaker showed that once more in the recent pre season win over Sporting Lisbon.
Not just because of his goal from the penalty spot, but his overall play as along with Benjamin Nygren he was our most creative outlet in the middle of the park.
Celtic’s a much better side when Reo Hatate plays
It’s pretty evident that we are a much more efficient side with Reo pulling the strings in the centre. Callum McGregor is a great presence with his ability and leadership qualities, but Reo has that bit more essence, and is capable of creating things out of nothing.
Sporting CP v Celtic – Pre-Season Friendly Reo Hatate of Celtic FC celebrates a goal during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting de Lisboa and Celtic FC at Estadio Algarve in Faro, Portugal, on July 16, 2025. Faro Portugal Photo DAX Images
Reo is a class act, and it’s no coincidence that we lost out on the treble last season as he sat on the sidelines at Hampden One man doesn’t make a team, but it was glaringly obvious that we missed his quality in the Scottish cup final shoot out defeat at the hands of Aberdeen.
That day we looked devoid of ideas but if Reo Hatate was on the park I’m very confident in stating that the outcome would have been so much different.
Don’t sell Reo Hatate
He’s a player we can ill afford to lose as he makes our team that much more stronger, and gives us a creative edge that no one else possesses. Hopefully he’s happy enough at Celtic and is here for a good number of seasons to come.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out 5 September 2025. Available to pre-order now.
Totally agree, and this window also involves keeping hold of Maeda and Hatate, especially within a world cup season.
I don’t expect any potential movement for either before the CL qualification matches, but won’t be comfortable until the window actually shuts, upon there futures either imo?
The thuggery that’s allowed within Scottish football upon our players, along with international managers views with a world cup in mind, could play a part in what decisions the players might make for the season ahead?
Hopefully it remains at staying with ourselves?