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A reliable reporter offers positive news from Celtic regarding another Parkhead agreement..
A contract breakthrough appears to be edging closer
Celtic have been extremely productive when it comes to new contracts, and another key player is close to extending his Parkhead stay, according to one reliable reporter.
Who is signing a new Celtic contract?
The Hoops and Brendan Rodgers have been busy both on and off the pitch following the Northern Irishman’s return to Glasgow.
Over the summer, a number of new players were brought to the club at a combined cost of just under £20m. On the pitch, Celtic are once again leading the way at the top of the Scottish Premiership after six games, dropping just two points.
Alongside the summer signings, those at Celtic Park have also been busy in regards to keeping hold of their prized assets. Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, Callum McGregor, Liel Abada and Anthony Ralston have all signed new contracts in recent months, with the latter signing on the dotted line on Tuesday, and it appears as if Reo Hatate is close to following suit.
The 25-year-old has only started two games under Rodgers so far this season, with the manager challenging the player to prove himself last month.
“It’s not in my contract to play any player. He’s got three years left on his contract, so there’s no rush on that. It’s a new cycle, a new manager, and Reo has to prove himself.
“I’m not really worried about what’s said or not. I’ll play the team I see with the best energy, mentality and efficiency with how we want to work.
“There’s no doubt Reo is a talented player, but there are other talented players here.”
Hatate, currently under contract until 2026, even rejected a new Celtic contract over the summer, but it looks as if is situation is set to be resolved.
According to reliable reporter Stephen McGowan of The Mail, the Hoops are now closing in on an agreement with Hatate.
Discussions are thought to have been ‘positive’ with the midfielder and his representatives over an improved deal, with a new long-term contract in the cards.
Celtic paid how much for Reo Hatate?
Hatate was one of a series of astute signings made by the Hoops in recent years, joining from Kawasaki Frontale in a move for roughly £1.3 million in 2021.
Since then, the Japan international has made 71 appearances for Celtic in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists.
However, as previously said, he has not been a regular on the teamsheet under Rodgers, but with the announcement that he is poised to extend his contract, one of his first priorities will be to break into the starting XI on a consistent basis.
You’d like to believe he’ll get his chance with the Hoops, especially after scoring in the 3-0 victory.
He may now have a run of starts after winning at Livingston last time out.
Hatate also gives Rodgers plenty of options, as he can play on the left or right as a midfielder or full-back, so a new contract appears to be excellent news for everyone at Parkhead.
