After a report appeared in The Sun late on Tuesday night that Reo Hatate had rejected a new Celtic contract Anthony Joseph has claimed that talks are ongoing.
The midfielder is 18 months into a four and a half year contract but with his massive progress in Scotland there are clear grounds on all sides for a renewed agreement.
Hatate arrived as a hopeful £800,000 signing from Kawasaki Frontiers but quickly established himself as one of the most important players in the side built by Ange Postecoglou.
Retaining current players can be as important as bringing in new faces with Celtic appearing to be planning far in advance with talk over new deals for Hatate and Liel Abada.
Celtic have opened contract talks with Liel Abada & Reo Hatate.
They’re offering improved terms & extensions to their current deals.
It’s understood Hatate has rejected 1st offer from the club, but is open to negotiation.
Talks ongoing with both players
(w/@SkySportsLyall) pic.twitter.com/zeW726FMV9
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) August 23, 2023
The Israeli winger is in a very similar position to Hatate as is Matt O’Riley who was signed from MK Dons in the same month as Hatate arrived.
There won’t be any shortage of outside interest in any of those players but with time on their side Celtic hold the upper hand in negotiations.
If Celtic had retained the services of Ange Postecogolu, we would be on a different level now. All those players he brought would be glad to serve another year under him. Guys like Hatate would have been happy to stay!
Celtic should have given him what he wanted to stay!
Watching our Treble winning team and Bhoys being carved wide open, is not good viewing!