Soccer Football - Scottish Premiership - Rangers v Celtic - Ibrox, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - September 3, 2023 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers reacts REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Brendan Rodgers appears to be staying out of contract talks with his players.
A report by Stephen McGowan of the Daily Mail on Saturday claimed that talks with Reo Hatate over a new contract had opened up.
The midfielder is under contract until June 2026 but quickly became a far more significant player than the contract he signed in January 2022 when he joined Celtic from Kawasaki Frontiers.
During the summer there was speculation over interest in Hatate from Saudi Arabia with Brighton and Spurs also mentioned as admirers.
There seemed a bit of uneasiness at the start of the season when Hatate started the first two SPFL matches on the bench before picking up a calf injury that ruled him out of three games.
Hatate’s influence on the 3-0 win over Dundee was almost instant with the fans in no doubt about his influence, when Rodgers was asked about being privy to contract talks he took a clear sideways step.
?? “His goal and assist were sensational. It is what he does – he’s lethal in front of goal!”
Brendan Rodgers on Kyogo, a 3-0 win over Dundee that leaves Celtic top of the table and the latest on contract talks with Reo Hatate ?? pic.twitter.com/sUShNWic8n
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) September 16, 2023
3 minutes
Clearly. He’s a very good player It’s something between the club and the player. The club have been looking to tie it down for a little while. So hopefully there’s movement on that but no update yet.
The exact nature of contract talks is a delicate business, the manager will influence Michael Nicholson on the value of the player but the nitty gritty of money will be down to the CEO.
Liel Abada’s new deal illustrated what is possible, like Hatate he was already committed until 2026 but got a major pay rise by adding an additional year on to his contract.
Hatate is arguably the best player at Celtic!
Celtic fans know this and they don’t want to lose him!
He will be happy at present with the prospect of UCL football. It is experience you just cannot buy!
Celtic could tie him up for another couple of UCL campaigns, which would be amicable for both player and Club.
Then Hatate can make up his mind where he wants to be.
Not sure why Nicholson is adding years to players contracts. It just unsettles players and turns their heads! Nothing better to do, maybe?
Contracted to 2026 seems long enough. Just let the players go out and play football.
But then, it’s a business, as well, isn’t it!?