Close to an agreement- In The Know reporter on Celtic contract breakthrough

Celtic are reported to be close to agreement over a contract extension for Reo Hatate.

The midfielder made an instant impact when he joined the hoops in January 2022 and is under contract until May 2026.

Over the last 18 months his status has changed considerably from first team prospect to become one of the most influential and creative players in the squad.

The difficulties in recruiting quality players to the SPFL was obvious during the transfer window with Celtic ready to make a considerable pay hike in order to ensure Hatate is properly rewarded and secured for a crucial period in his career.

Stephen McGowan of the Daily Mail reports:

CELTIC are close to agreement with midfielder Reo Hatate over an extension to his Parkhead contract.

Talks over an improved deal began two weeks ago, as first revealed by Mail Sport. Discussions are described as ‘positive’ and Hatate’s people expect to receive final confirmation of the offer from the Parkhead club in the coming days.

Currently under contract until 2026, the champions wanted the Japanese international to join winger Liel Abada in committing to a new deal on the final day of the transfer window.

Since Brendan Rodgers was appointed as manager Callum McGregor, Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhasi and Abada have all signed contract extensions.

McGregor has been over the course many times before but with two title wins and one Champions League campaign on their CV the others have demonstrated that they have what it takes for the unique challenge of playing for Celtic and delivering success.