In what comes as a potential blow to Tottenham in their rumoured pursuit of Reo Hatate, the Celtic midfielder has seemingly dropped a big hint that he wants to remain in Glasgow.
Hatate has been a revelation at Celtic Park since joining from J-League side Kawasaki Frontale 18 months ago, with the 25-year-old’s displays in the middle of the park being a key reason why the Bhoys sealed a historic treble this season.
(Photo by Richard Callis/MB Media/Getty Images)
We covered a report from 90min last week which claimed that the Celtic hierarchy were fearful that Postecoglou could look to poach Hatate, along with Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota, following his switch to Spurs.
The fear might not be misplaced if The Daily Mail are to be believed, with the publication claiming on Monday that Tottenham were monitoring the 25-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window.
Reo Hatate hints he may remain at Celtic
However, Hatate has now seemingly handed a blow to Spurs by expressing his intention to get more assists under his belt with the Hoops next season and win the Scottish Premiership Player of the Year.
The 25-year-old said (via The Daily Record): “Looking back on my own season, I played 32 league games, scoring six goals and assisting nine. In all official games, I had nine goals and 11 assists.
“I was aiming for double-figure goals and double-figure assists, so while I achieved my assists, I didn’t reach my goalscoring target, which will be the challenge for next season.
“Kyogo was named Scottish Premiership Player of the Year. As a fellow Japanese player, I felt proud, but also frustrated. If I had worked harder, I could have won that honour.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I am not convinced there is any truth behind the reports liking the likes of Furuhashi, Hatate and Jota to Spurs.
This speculation appears to be solely based on the fact that Postecoglou is now the Tottenham boss.
I personally do not think the Australian will be desperate to sign any player from Celtic as he would be aware that the jump in quality from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League is quite a formidable one.
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