Celtic target Reo Hatate believes he is ready to make a name for himself in European football and has been impressed by the impact Kyogo Furuhashi has made at Parkhead, as reported by The Athletic.
It’s not just Ange Postecoglou’s impressive tactical approach that has made him such a valuable addition to the Scottish Premiership champions. His knowledge of Far East football has done Celtic the world of good too.
No one in Glasgow knew anything about Kyogo Furuhashi when he arrived in a £4.6 million deal from Vissel Kobe in July.
Five months, 21 games and 13 goals later, there’s an argument to be made that the wonderfully gifted Kyogo stands alone as Celtic’s most inspired signing in recent memory.
Will Reo Hatate join Kyogo Furuhashi at Celtic?
Postecoglou knew Kyogo well from his time in the J-League. Postecoglou guided Yokohoma F Marinos to domestic glory 2019 and, during his time in Greater Tokyo, came up against Hatate too.
The 24-year-old is about as versatile a footballer as you could wish to find.
Most of his J-League appearances have come at left-back or in central midfield, though Hatate has also filled in on the wing and on the right-hand side on occasions.
As such, it is not yet certain what sort of a role he will play under Postecoglou at Celtic.
Given that the right-footed Josip Juranovic has often been fielded on the opposite flank due to Greg Taylor’s injury, perhaps Hatate will be utilised as a left-sided defender – though he, like Juranovic, is more comfortable on his right foot than his left.
Celtic have also been a little overreliant on David Turnbull and Tom Rogic in attacking midfield and Hatate’s ability to thrive as a ‘number eight’ could come in very handy.
He produced six goals from that position in the most recent J-League season.
According to The Athletic, Hatate will be a free-agent when his Kawasaki Frontale contract expires later this month. And he believes the time is right to test himself on European soil.
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