‘I am sure’: Barry Ferguson hails Celtic star who has got ‘everything’, makes contract claim

Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has been praised by Barry Ferguson for his skills and for having ‘everything’ in his locker.

With the summer transfer market closed for 2023, Celtic fans are hoping that Reo Hatate will sign a new deal and join fellow Japanese stars Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda in doing so.

Ange Postecoglou can’t be thanked enough for bringing a man of Reo Hatate’s dynamism to Glasgow because, as Barry Ferguson mentioned, when he is fit, he is a ‘top midfielder’, as he told Go Radio.

Everyone saw the 25-year-old produce magic in the middle of the park during the Treble-winning season, with Brendan Rodgers yet to properly work with the player.

Injuries have been behind that, but he came off the bench during the win over Dundee at the weekend and, hopefully, he is ready to put his foot on the accelerator in what is a heavy fixture load during these coming months.

Perhaps not ready to start against Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, but nonetheless, he will be a key player if the Bhoys are to progress to the knockout stages.

Reo Hatate praise

“As a player, he (Hatate) is so important to Celtic,” said Ferguson. “Brendan Rodgers says ‘it’s up to the club’ (about signing a new contract).

“But I’m sure he’ll be on the club to see that this gets done.” There is no doubt about that.

“It’s been a bit of a hit-or-miss season.” When he is totally fit, he is a fantastic midfielder. He possesses everything. A fantastic passing range. He can move across the field and score goals.

“I’m sure Celtic will be desperate to sign him to a new contract.”

Reo Hatate is a valuable asset

Just like Kyogo this summer, every Celt wants the key players signed up to stay at the club for the long term.

But given the finances outside of Scotland, then there needs to be an acceptance that, if the Premier League door knocks, it has to be opened.

This is where Celtic need to protect themselves and ensure Hatate’s future is sorted because, purely from a business sense, he is a very valuable member of the club.