Celtic are moving in to sign Kawasaki Frontale utility man Reo Hatate with preliminary talks already held over a January deal.
That’s according to a report from Football Scotland, who claim that Celtic are in discussions with Hatate ahead of a move.
Hatate’s contract with Kawasaki Frontale ends in January, meaning Celtic will be able to land him for nothing.
Celtic allegedly view Hatate as a midfielder, where he has been playing for Kawasaki Frontale of late.
Hatate is right-footed but can also play as a left back, adding real versatility to Ange Postecoglou’s squad.
Add in the low-cost nature for this move and Hatate makes perfect sense for Celtic.
Hatate may already know he’s Celtic-bound
23-year-old Hatate featured for Kawasaki Frontale as they won the J1 League title on Wednesday.
A 1-1 draw with Urawa Red Diamonds was enough to secure the title.
That’s Kawasaki’s second title in a row, and DAZN posted footage of Hatate in tears during the celebrations.
Some have interpreted this to be an emotional goodbye from Hatate, who looks likely to leave for Celtic with his contract expiring.
Ange Postecoglou raided Vissel Kobe to sign Kyogo Furuhashi over the summer, using his knowledge of the Japanese market.
Postecoglou has recently indicated that Celtic will look to sign more J1 League players, and that appears to be coming true.
With Hatate in talks and The Times claiming that Yokohama F. Marinos attacker Daizen Maeda is likely to join Celtic in January, there could be a Japanese trio at Parkhead.
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