Reo Hatate is about to be forced into uncomfortable Celtic decision
Celtic need to find a new home for Reo Hatate before the end of the transfer window, which is closing in fast. Hatate has been pushing for a move this summer in a bid to land a new challenge in a top five league, which has always been seen as ambitious for a player who is coming off a disappointing campaign of last.
Hatate regularly missed out on matchday squads at the end of last season, and while he has been given opportunities off the bench in the Champions League qualifiers this season so far, he has not been seen as a main part of Martin O'Neill's plans.
The midfielder was absent on Saturday, but that was due to a knock, according to O'Neill. But it's no secret the Japanese international is searching for a new club, and that he has rejected a couple of clubs already this summer.
Realistically speaking, Hatate has until11pm on Tuesday night to find a new club. While the Scottish window runs until 5pm the next day, most windows end the night before, at 11pm. But Hatate's agents are going to have to pull something special out of the bag to get him a spot in the top five leagues.
A couple of years ago, it wouldn't have been an issue for a player who was recognised as being a brilliant performer in the Celtic midfield. But clubs will have their doubts after last season, and especially with O'Neill effectively questioning Hatate's commitment at times.
It's far from clear that the pair get on, even with O'Neill saying he would like to keep Hatate. Either way, it's clear that decision time is coming for Hatate.
He has held out for a top move, but with the window closing in, he may have to compromise to get his move or decide to stay and try to impress enough to get a bigger move in January or next summer.
As for Celtic, there isn't a great deal they can do about that choice. Even if they accept a bid, they cannot force Hatate to leave, unless they pull some dirty tricks like threatening to leave him out, but that doesn't seem like something O'Neill is willing to do, which is a good thing.
Hatate may have struggled of late, but he has certainly done enough over the years to earn the respect of the club, even throughout this potential exit process.
