Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has hinted at interest in playing in the Premier League amid links to Tottenham Hotspur.
Reo Hatate has been linked to Tottenham Hotspur this summer and he hasn’t ruled out a move to England one day.
Tottenham raided Celtic to land manager Ange Postecoglou earlier this summer.
That has paved the way for Brendan Rodgers to return to Celtic, with John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan staying at Parkhead rather than following Postecoglou.
There have been other rumours about Tottenham raiding Celtic though with midfielder Hatate linked.
Reports from the Daily Mail in June suggested that Tottenham were looking at Hatate as a possible signing.
Spurs are in the market for another midfielder this summer with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Tanguy Ndombele likely to go.
Postecoglou may fancy adding Hatate to his midfield alongside Yves BIssouma and James Maddison, although Celtic surely wouldn’t entertain a move.
Celtic star Reo Hatate comments on his ambition
Hatate was brought to Celtic by Postecoglou, leaving Kawasaki Frontale in a deal worth just £1.4million in January 2022.
The 25-year-old has now racked up 13 goals and 14 assist in 66 Celtic appearances, becoming a Parkhead hero.
Postecoglou is no doubt still a fan and Hatate has opened up on his Premier League aspirations.
The Daily Record quote Hatate as saying that he will always want to challenge himself to play at higher levels if possible when directly asked about a Premier League move.
Hatate didn’t exactly play down the idea of moving to England but certainly isn’t desperate to leave Celtic either.
Hatate noted that he is ‘finished as a player’ if his ambition disappears but accepts the situation isn’t entirely in his control.
“If I can take on a challenge, I want to,” said Hatate. “There are things I can’t do anything about, but when I lose my ambition, I’m finished as a player. That’s a natural thing for a player,” he added.
These are fairly standard comments from Hatate; merely a talented player admitting that he would like the challenge of playing at higher levels.
Celtic fans shouldn’t be too worried right now. Hatate has a starring role at Celtic and has no reason to leave as he chases more league titles and prepares for Champions League football.
Tottenham appear to have other midfield targets right now and Postecoglou may back off trying to raid Celtic out of respect for the Bhoys.
This is more one to keep in mind down the line, possibly even next summer if Hatate continues to shine in Scotland.
Celtic would be in a great position to demand considerable money for Hatate if he does attract interest, and Spurs may just keep tabs on the situation moving forward.
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