Despite a deadline day deadlock, Reo Hatate is on the verge of a new Celtic contract as a breakthrough ‘near’.

Talks with Hatate have dragged on, but he’s finally ready to sign a long-term agreement.

With a new contract allegedly on the horizon, Reo Hatate is likely to become the next Celtic star to commit his future to Brendan Rodgers.

Hatate has had a rough start to life at Parkhead under Rodgers, with his initial spell out of the starting lineup coinciding with rumors that contract negotiations were dragging on. In the early days of Rodgers’ second stay, teammates Callum McGregor, Kyogo, Daizen Maeda, and Liel Abada all signed long-term extensions, and the club wanted Hatate to sign before the transfer deadline, but a deal couldn’t be done due to interest from abroad.

Rodgers earlier stated that things had been going on for “a little while,” leading to speculation that he was on his way out. However, it appears like a breakthrough is near, as the Daily Mail reports that “positive” talks are nearing their end.

Hatate is projected to be the next player to sign a long-term extension to extend his contract past its current expiration date of 2026. After Anthony Ralston signed a contract extension until 2027 on Tuesday, he’ll become the sixth first-team star to sign a new contract since Rodgers’ return.
Rodgers was asked last week if a new contract for Hatate was in the works, and he made no secret of his desire to keep him.

“Clearly (we want him to sign),” Hatate remarked before the 3-0 win over Dundee, in which he made a successful comeback from injury. He’s a fantastic player. It’s a private matter between the club and the athlete. For a while, the club has been attempting to secure it. As a result, ideally.

there’s movement on that. But no update yet.”