Chris Sutton has tipped Celtic to land ‘big money’ when they come to sell Reo Hatate. He also believes signing gems like the Japan ace has been key to Ange Postecoglou’s success.
Hatate moved to Parkhead in January for just £1.5m from Kawasaki Frontale having never previously played outside of Japan. But the 24-year-old has proven to be a huge hit in the Premiership. He also made his international debut this March but is not at the World Cup.
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Postecoglou already knew of Hatate’s potential before convincing the midfielder of a move to Glasgow over last winter. He had faced the Suzuka native in the J-League three times as the head coach of Yokohama F. Marinos. Hatate also offered one assist in those meetings.
Since moving to Scotland, Hatate has continued to pose a creative threat with six goals in 41 games. He has also laid on seven assists across all competitions, including three and a goal in 13 Premiership appearances, this term. Only three Celtic players have more assists.
Sutton tips Celtic to get ‘big money’ for Hatate after joining them for ‘buttons’
Sutton believes the fee Celtic paid Kawasaki Frontale to sign Hatate in January has proven to be a bargain. He also feels the midfielder’s switch to Parkhead has helped to show how Postecoglou has had success in markets most clubs – particularly in Britain – do not touch.
“Having that knowledge and eye for a region or a type of player and the bravery to trust it is invaluable, and Postecoglou’s nous in the Asian market has been crucial to his success in the job. It’s not a secret,” the former Hoops star wrote in his column for the Daily Record.
Sutton continued: “Postecoglou has used that attitude to his advantage and Celtic have managed to get gems such as Reo Hatate, who was signed for relative buttons and will go for big money in the future. You have to be ahead of the game. Get ahead of the curve.”
Hatate agreed to a four-and-a-half-year contract running to May 2026 when he signed for Celtic. So, the Parkhead hierarchy is under no immediate pressure to consider the one-cap Japan star’s future. But his performances could drum up interest that returns a tidy profit.
Especially if offers for Celtic to sell Hatate come in whilst he has years left on his contract. Although Postecoglou will no doubt be determined to keep hold of the midfielder for as long as possible. Even if he could reinvest the funds in trying to discover the next Hatate.
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