Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate could leave in the summer transfer window.
Keith Jackson of The Daily Record claims that the 27-year-old midfielder could follow Kyogo Furuhashi out of Celtic Park in the summer, and if that happens, there will be a massive void in midfield.
The highly respected journalist suggests that Celtic should try to sign Lennon Miller from Motherwell. He thinks the 18-year-old is capable of playing in the first team every week.
A host of clubs are vying for Miller’s signature. Celtic failed with an effort to sign him in the January window, and the Bhoys are likely to make another attempt in the summer.
He wrote: “The word is Reo Hatate plans on following Kyogo Furuhashi by moving on in the summer. That opens up a sizeable gap in Celtic’s midfield and gives Miller the perfect pathway into Brendan Rodgers’ starting XI. It makes absolute sense.”
Celtic are likely to face competition from Premier League club Brighton (among others) for Miller’s signature.
Brighton feel that Miller is not ready to play in the Premier League at the moment. Their sister club, USG, are reportedly working on a deal to sign the youngster for around £5 million. They want to give him European football exposure before selling him to Brighton.
According to the Scottish Sun, USG are leading the race at the moment to sign Miller, but Celtic can match the offer and lure him to Parkhead in the summer.
Hatate joined Celtic in the January 2022 transfer window, gradually establishing himself as a key player for the club. He has made over 130 appearances for the Bhoys in all competitions and has scored 23 goals, including seven this season.
The Japanese midfielder has won three league titles with Celtic and probably feels that he needs different challenges in his career. His contract at Celtic expires in 2028, so the Hoops are expected to demand a high transfer fee in case he decides to move on.
