Reo Hatate has never hidden his ambitions. Since arriving in Glasgow from Kawasaki Frontale, he’s spoken about the appeal of testing himself in Europe’s top leagues. Now, that opportunity may be edging closer.
Recent reports suggest Serie A outfit Udinese have placed the Celtic midfielder firmly on their radar. With scouts watching his every move and the summer window fast approaching, questions over his future are starting to gain traction.
The timing of a potential move raises concerns about Celtic’s midfield depth ahead of a summer where expectations are high.
Even before any official bid, transfers like this can affect how punters approach futures markets. On UK sports betting sites not on GamStop, for example, it’s not uncommon to find odds on whether a team will complete a treble, how far they’ll progress in European competition, or even which player will finish the season with the most assists, markets that could all shift dramatically if a key playmaker like Hatate departs.
These platforms tend to carry broader football betting options, especially during the off-season when speculation drives activity.
Hatate’s rise at Celtic has been anything but quiet. Since joining in December 2021 for just over £1.4 million, he has gone on to become a regular name on the team sheet. Technical on the ball, sharp in transitions, and comfortable pushing forward, he has carved out a role that few others in the squad can match. Over 140 appearances later, he’s got more than 25 goals and a similar number of assists to his name, impressive numbers for a midfielder who arrived with limited European experience.
Celtic have certainly benefited from his consistency. During his time in green and white, the club has collected league titles, cups, and a fair amount of praise for their attacking style of play. Hatate has been at the heart of much of that, linking defence to attack, and providing the sort of balance every manager wants but few get.
While his form dipped briefly due to injury, his return has been influential, adding much-needed control to the middle of the park.
Now, with attention from Italy, there’s a real decision looming. Serie A is still one of the most watched leagues in the world, even though Udinese may not be a glamorous name in the contemporary sense. For players like Hatate, it offers both exposure and a platform. Udinese themselves have a reputation for spotting talent and giving it room to grow. It would be a different style of football, slower in build-up but tactically demanding, something that may appeal to Hatate, who has shown he can adapt.
What complicates matters is that Celtic don’t exactly need to sell.
Hatate signed an extension not long ago, keeping him at the club until 2028. The deal was meant to secure both the player and his value. Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that keeping hold of key players is a priority this summer, and few would argue Hatate isn’t central to that plan. With talk of reinforcing the squad for a proper European push, losing him now would feel like a step backwards.
However, interest from abroad raises a few questions. If Hatate wants the move, it could shift the tone of negotiations quickly.
Clubs in Italy, France, and even Germany have reportedly kept tabs on him, with Udinese simply the first to move with intent. No formal offer has been made yet, but the presence of scouts at recent matches is telling.
From Celtic’s point of view, the timing couldn’t be trickier. The club is chasing domestic records and eyeing a new campaign in Europe. Disruption to the spine of the team, especially one that’s just returning to full strength, isn’t ideal. However, the market waits for no one. If a bid comes in that meets the club’s valuation, and if Hatate indicates a desire to go, the pressure will mount.
There’s also the question of replacements. Celtic have a habit of planning ahead, but there’s no obvious player waiting in the wings who could slot in and offer the same balance. Hatate is one of those players whose influence isn’t always visible in numbers alone. His decision-making under pressure, his ability to read the game, and the calmness with which he holds possession under tight marking aren’t easily replaced.
For now, the club will hold firm. Rodgers is unlikely to entertain anything short of a strong fee, especially given the length of Hatate’s current contract. Yet the interest is real, and so are the questions. Will Celtic be able to match the ambitions of a player who has grown rapidly in a relatively short space of time? Or will the appeal of Serie A, and all it stands for, pull Hatate away just as he hits his prime?
These next few weeks will be telling. If Udinese, or any other side, come in with a concrete offer, the club’s resolve will be tested. Until then, the fans will keep watching, hoping one of their most reliable players remains just that.
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