Reo Hatate has officially made the move from Celtic to Burnley, with the Scottish club reportedly receiving a transfer fee of £6.5 million, plus additional add-ons. The deal was finalized just before the English transfer deadline on Tuesday night, and the 28-year-old midfielder has signed a three-year contract with the Championship side.
Hatate's departure marks the end of an impactful four-year stint at Celtic, where he joined in 2022 under the management of Ange Postecoglou. During his time in Glasgow, Hatate made a significant contribution, appearing in 191 matches and netting 33 goals while also providing 31 assists. His efforts helped the team secure five Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups, and two League Cups, solidifying his status as a key player in the squad.
Upon completing his transfer, Hatate expressed his excitement about the new chapter in his career. "This is a great move for me," he stated. "It’s my first time playing in England and it’s a fantastic club to be joining. I’m hoping to bring my experience and knowledge to the dressing room and help the team on the pitch as much as possible to achieve our aim." His enthusiasm reflects a strong desire to contribute to Burnley’s ambitions in the Championship.
Celtic's assistant manager, Shaun Maloney, acknowledged Hatate's contributions to the club and conveyed that his presence would be missed. Maloney remarked, "I have watched Reo Hatate for a long time now. I have coached against him and I think he is a brilliant player. I think what he has done at the club has been really, really good. He has won many titles here. If he does leave, I will personally miss him. I think he has been a brilliant player." This sentiment underscores the impact Hatate had on the team and the respect he earned during his tenure.
Hatate is not the only player to leave Celtic as the transfer window closed; striker Johnny Kenny also secured a move to Preston North End for £3 million. These departures come at a crucial time for Celtic, as they are in the midst of reshaping their squad under manager Martin O’Neill. The club is actively pursuing new signings ahead of the UEFA deadline for Europa League registration.
As Celtic aims to bolster its roster, reports indicate that they are hoping to finalize five or six new signings before the registration cut-off. Notable players linked to the club include Joel van den Berg and Sam Johnstone, who were spotted at Lennoxtown, as well as Chelsea striker Shim Mheuka, who arrived in Glasgow recently. Additionally, discussions are ongoing regarding a permanent deal for Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis, and versatile Feyenoord defender Jordan Lotomba is expected to make a move to Parkhead. There is also potential for Chelsea youngster Landon Emenalo to join on loan as he recovers from an injury.
As the transfer window closes, Celtic's strategic moves will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, as the club seeks to strengthen its position in the league and prepare for upcoming competitions.
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