Celtic Ready To Sell 28-Year-Old Amid Fresh Bids: Right Decision?

Celtic Football Club is considering selling midfielder Reo Hatate before the September transfer deadline, according to Glasgow World. The 28-year-old Japanese player appears to no longer be wanted at Parkhead. Initial bids from Panathinaikos, Major League Soccer, and Austrian clubs were rejected, but Celtic's stance has softened.

Hatate, who has two years left on his contract, played 30 Scottish Premiership matches last season but scored only twice. His place in the team became increasingly uncertain as Martin O'Neill demanded greater defensive discipline and physical strength in midfield. He was barely involved in the title run-in and managed just 25 minutes from the bench in the new campaign.

Celtic doesn't need another midfielder who is neither fully trusted nor eager to stay, as his market value is reportedly around €8 million. The club has offers from Panathinaikos, MLS, and Austrian league clubs, but Hatate is reportedly holding out for a move to one of Europe's top-five leagues. This leaves Celtic in a challenging situation with a highly paid and unhappy squad member.

Celtic already has replacement plans, including talks with Slovan Liberec over Bosnia international Tarw Mahmic, valued at roughly £8.5 million. They are also considering Gvidas Gineitis of Verona and Rijeka's Niko Sigur. The timing is crucial, as Celtic's progress in the Champions League, including a 3-0 first-leg victory over LASK, provides them with room to spend.