Celtic have confirmed that Reo Hatate will be sold during the summer transfer window, with the club’s board and manager Martin O’Neill making the decision to move on from the 28‑year‑old Japanese midfielder. Hatate’s lack of game time under O’Neill has made his future at the club uncertain.
Hatate did not start any of Celtic’s final eight matches of the 2025‑26 campaign and was omitted from the squad that secured the league title against Hearts. In the opening four games of the 2026‑27 season he has only been used for 25 minutes as a substitute. The midfielder has also turned down offers from Greek side Panathinaikos, as well as interest from clubs in Austria and the United States.
O’Neill’s recent signing of Mika Baur from Paderborn has already added depth to the midfield, and the manager is now looking to complete a further addition before the transfer deadline. The departure of Arne Engels on a big‑money exit has left a gap that O’Neill wants to fill with a new midfielder who can compete for a starting role.
Sources also revealed that Celtic are in talks with Slovan Liberec over the Bosnian international Ermin Mahmic, who scored twice in three appearances for Bosnia at the recent World Cup. A potential £8.5 million fee is being discussed, with the Czech club open to a transfer.
The club’s strategy appears to be to force Hatate out by bringing in new midfield talent, thereby pushing him further down the pecking order. Celtic have made Hatate available for offers and are prepared to accept a suitable bid.
The potential £8.5 million deal with Slovan Liberec remains under discussion.
