Saudi Pro League club linked with key Celtic figure

Saudi side Al Ittihad are reported to be interested in signing Reo Hatate.

The midfielder has made a huge impact since joining Celtic in January 2022, playing a key role in last season’s treble success.

On the back of taking Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia it now seems to be open season with clubs across Europe vulnerable to incredible tax free offers coming in from Saudi Pro League clubs.

The Daily Record reports:

Reports in Saudi Arabia claim big spending Al Ittihad have joined the race for the midfielder. The nation’s PIF, who also funded a takeover of Newcastle United has ploughed billions in to Saudi Pro League clubs in recent weeks, which has seen the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hakim Ziyech and Ruben Neves follow in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps and make the switch to the oil rich Gulf state. Now their wealth is threatening to impact on Scottish football as Hata is linked with a life changing move.

A news network linked to Al Ittihad claim Hatate is “close” to the Saudi outfit, but whether a deal is actually in the works at this stage is unclear. Hatate has become one of the Hoops’ star men since arriving from Japan in January 2022, along with Daizen Maweda.

The 25-year-old still has three years left to run on his Celtic deal. However, money has proven no obstacle for Al Ittihad in other deals and it could prove hard for either club or player to say no given the potential finances involved.

While Celtic would prefer to retain and develop the player the nature of a Player Trading Model requires you to cash in when any favourable offer comes in.

It may cause short term pain but bringing in an exceptional fee allows the club to reinvest with other, similar type players known to the recruitment team.

Moving to Saudi Arabia probably wasn’t on Hatate’s mind when he joined Celtic but for many players there is likely to be a salary offer that is just too rich to be resisted.