Upgrade on Hatate: Celtic enter race to sign £7m-rated midfielder for O’Neill

Reo Hatate’s 2025/26 campaign at Celtic has been a season of inconsistency, with the Japanese midfielder struggling to cement his place as an automatic starter under Martin O’Neill.

The central midfielder has started just two of Celtic’s last four Scottish Premiership matches, while finding himself on the bench for the other two — a clear indication that his influence at Parkhead has waned.

Hatate enjoyed a productive 2024/25 season, scoring 11 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions, according to Sofascore. However, that output has dipped sharply this term, with just three goals in 25 matches so far.

His declining end product has also shone a light on weaknesses elsewhere in his game. Sofascore data shows that Hatate has lost 53% of his duels in the Premiership this season, while averaging just 1.1 tackles and interceptions per game. Those numbers underline concerns about his overall impact at both ends of the pitch.

Celtic join race for new midfield option

With Hatate no longer guaranteed a starting role, Celtic are reportedly exploring the market for midfield reinforcements ahead of the January transfer deadline.

According to Bold, the Hoops are among several clubs tracking Häcken midfielder Silas Andersen, with Celtic said to be “lurking in the wings” as potential suitors for the Denmark U21 international.

The report claims Rangers have already made enquiries and are currently in talks with Häcken, putting them in pole position for the 21-year-old’s signature. However, Celtic remain keen and could yet make a decisive move if they choose to act.

Previous reports suggest Andersen could command a fee in the region of £7 million, meaning any deal would represent a significant investment.

Why Celtic should move for Andersen

Celtic would be wise to enter the race, as Andersen profiles as a potential upgrade on Hatate in midfield.

Hatate’s dip in attacking output has made his defensive shortcomings harder to ignore, ultimately costing him his status as a guaranteed starter. Andersen, by contrast, has built a reputation as a highly combative and energetic midfielder.

During the 2025 Allsvenskan campaign, Andersen recorded the third-most tackles (84) and fifth-most interceptions (43) in the league, per Sofascore. His all-action style earned him praise from U23 scout Antonio Mango, who described the Dane as “relentless”.

His physical presence is further highlighted by FotMob data, which shows Andersen won an impressive 192 duels across the league season. That kind of intensity is precisely what Celtic have lacked in central areas at times this term.

Clear physical edge over Hatate

The contrast with Hatate is stark. The Japanese international has won just 46% of his duels in the Premiership this season, averaging 2.4 per game. Andersen, meanwhile, won 59% of his duels in Sweden, averaging 7.4 per match — a significant gulf in defensive and physical output.

Offensively, there is little to separate the two. Hatate has registered one goal and two assists in 17 league matches this season, while Andersen produced two goals and two assists in 26 Allsvenskan appearances. That suggests Celtic would not be sacrificing creativity by making the switch.

A potential midfield upgrade for O’Neill

Crucially, Andersen is not just a destroyer. His ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch makes him a well-rounded option who could add balance to O’Neill’s midfield.

With similar attacking output to Hatate but far greater defensive intensity and physicality, Andersen represents a profile Celtic currently lack. If the Hoops are serious about strengthening their spine — and beating Rangers to a key target — they may need to move quickly.

At £7m, Andersen would not come cheap, but he could prove to be a long-term upgrade in the heart of Celtic’s midfield.