Martin O'Neill has admitted Reo Hatate could leave Celtic this summer despite the midfielder being recalled for the Champions League play-off against LASK. The 28-year-old has been frozen out at Parkhead but may feature in Wednesday's first leg at Celtic Park after injuries and departures left the Hoops short in midfield.
What happened?
Hatate has rejected approaches from Panathinaikos, two MLS clubs, and an Austrian Bundesliga side. The Japanese midfielder hasn't played this season and managed just 50 minutes in the final nine games of last term after falling out of favour. O'Neill confirmed tentative interest but no concrete offers yet.
Why it matters for Celtic
With Arne Engels sold to West Ham and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain facing a three-match Euro ban, O'Neill may need Hatate's experience. The Hoops are third in the Premiership (final 2025 table: 67 pts, 21W-4D-8L) and chasing reinforcements, including Hajduk Split's Niko Sigur and Torino's Gvidas Gineitis.
What comes next?
O'Neill has until tonight to make two squad changes before the LASK clash. He warned his side about the Austrian champions, who won their domestic double last season. "They have a couple of decent players," O'Neill said. "There were easier ties out there."
Celtic are on a five-game winning run (WWWWW) and beat Hearts 3-1 in their last match (2026-05-16). O'Neill also hinted outcast Michel-Ange Balikwisha could leave, with interest in the winger.
