Brighton and Hove Albion is supposedly eyeing up a move for Celtic’s Japanese midfielder, Reo Hatate. It comes from Football Insider, who claim that Seagulls boss Roberto de Zebri has earmarked the cultured number 8 as a potential summer transfer window recruit. This comes after a string of great outings for the maestro in a green and white jersey.
Hatate has enjoyed a wonderful campaign for the Hoops so far and has out in some phenomenal performances home and away, domestically and on the continent. After moving from Kawasaki Frontale in the J-League last January transfer window, the small and squat passmaster has been a revelation in beside captain, Callum McGregor. This has only been fortified with the addition of Aussie comrade Aaron Mooy too, as the three men have transformed what a Celtic midfield looks like.
Of course, it is all mere conjecture at the moment and nobody should concern themselves unless a material bid for the player’s services hits Ange Postecoglou’s desk at our Lennoxtown Headquarters. But we shouldn’t be naive enough to think that with his continually clash displays in the middle of the park for us, that club’s south of the border will be taking a closer look at Hatate and some of his teammates.
Although, you’d have to say that Brighton would be a considerable step down for any player leaving Celtic Park. Despite how well run a club they are under Paul Barbour, and having a great coach in Roberto de Zebri – who might make European football for the Seasiders this year – leaving Parkhead and the chance to win trophies, play Champions League football and play in front of 60,000 every week would be sheer folly.
Brighton have a highly coveted midfielder of their own in Moises Caicedo and if de Zebri thinks that he can plunder Hatate if his prized asset gets taken by someone higher up the food chain in the English Premier League, he can think again. The 25-year-old is essential to our team and the way in which we play. For Celtic to lose him to Brighton would be unthinkable. I doubt very much Ange would entertain it either as Reo seems very happy where he is and so is the boss.
Paul Gillespie
