According to reports, Celtic are facing further uncertainty as it has been suggested that another key player may also be considering an exit alongside Daizen Maeda.
Recent reports revealed that Maeda was open to leaving the club this summer, with strong interest coming from the Bundesliga. However, Celtic opted against selling him, largely because of the squad’s lack of attacking depth. Strangely, the club did allow Adam Idah to depart despite his limited impact, which raised eyebrows among supporters.
In Maeda’s case, his desire to move on is understandable. After several successful years in Glasgow, many players naturally look for a new challenge — just as Kyogo did. Now, it seems midfielder Reo Hatate could be the next to eye a way out.
According to Thecelticbhoys, citing 67 Hail Hail, former Celtic winger and Open Goal pundit Paul Slane commented on Hatate’s situation:
“I think he’s dropped so much as well, and it kind of looks like that to me. I think he will be in the same boat as Maeda.
“He’s done a lot at Celtic and he’s probably thinking: ‘Right, this is my time (to leave)’. Especially with the World Cup coming up, I think those players will want to go down to the Premier League.
“I think it will give them a better chance of starting for Japan. I would almost say they will be looking at this season and wanting to go to one of the biggest leagues to give themselves a chance.”
At his peak, Hatate is arguably the finest midfielder in Scotland, yet his performances have dipped recently. If he truly has his sights set on a move, Celtic may soon have to prepare for life without him.