How can Celtic upgrade on Reo Hatate with a £12m cut-price transfer?

Celtic Step Up Search for Midfield Quality

Celtic are continuing to strengthen their squad ahead of another demanding campaign, with reports suggesting Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis has become one of the club’s leading transfer targets. The Scottish champions are believed to have intensified their pursuit as they look to add greater balance, athleticism and depth to the middle of the park before the transfer window closes.

According to reports, Celtic are hoping to negotiate a deal below Torino’s reported £12 million valuation. Discussions are said to be progressing, with the club preparing another offer in an effort to convince the Serie A side to part with the highly-rated Lithuania international.

Although several midfielders have been monitored throughout the summer, Gineitis appears to have emerged as one of the recruitment team’s preferred options.

Midfield Could Undergo Major Changes

The coming weeks could see significant movement in Celtic’s midfield.

Arne Engels continues to attract strong interest after an impressive campaign, with West Ham United reportedly agreeing personal terms with the Belgian international. Celtic are understood to value Engels at around £25 million, meaning any potential departure would represent a substantial transfer fee for the club.

At the same time, Reo Hatate’s future remains uncertain. Earlier in the summer, the Japanese international reportedly informed Celtic and manager Martin O’Neill that he would consider a move should the right opportunity arise. While no agreement has yet been reached with another club, speculation surrounding his future has refused to disappear.

If both situations develop before the transfer deadline, Celtic may need to reshape their midfield much sooner than originally expected.

European Improvement Remains a Priority

Domestic success has become almost routine for Celtic, but performances in European competition continue to leave supporters wanting more.

The club has struggled to establish itself consistently in the latter stages of UEFA competitions over the past decade, highlighting the need for improvements throughout the squad. One area frequently discussed is central midfield, where greater physicality and defensive resilience are often required against elite opposition.

The demands of European football differ significantly from domestic competition. Teams face quicker transitions, stronger athletes and higher technical quality, placing additional responsibility on midfielders both in possession and without the ball.

Finding players capable of thriving in those conditions has become one of Celtic’s major recruitment priorities.

Why Hatate’s Performances Have Come Under Scrutiny

Reo Hatate has produced numerous memorable moments during his Celtic career and remains one of the squad’s most technically gifted players.

However, recent European performances have raised questions about whether his attributes are ideally suited to the highest level.

Statistics from last season’s Europa League campaign showed Hatate ranking below many of his fellow central midfielders in several defensive categories, including duels won, duel success rate, aerial contests and tackling efficiency. His difficulties competing physically were exposed against stronger opponents, while his dismissal against Bologna further complicated an already frustrating European campaign.

Domestically, similar concerns appeared at times. Hatate lost a significant percentage of both his ground and aerial duels during the Premiership season, limiting his effectiveness when Celtic faced aggressive pressing or direct styles of play.

Those numbers have fuelled debate over whether the club should consider moving in a different direction if an attractive offer arrives.

Why Gineitis Appeals to Celtic

At only 22 years of age, Gvidas Gineitis fits the profile Celtic have targeted in recent transfer windows.

The Lithuanian midfielder combines youth with valuable experience gained in Serie A, one of Europe’s most demanding leagues. His performances for Torino have demonstrated maturity beyond his years while suggesting considerable room for further development.

Unlike some technically gifted midfielders who contribute primarily in possession, Gineitis has built his reputation on his ability to compete physically, recover possession and protect his defence.

Those qualities could make him particularly valuable in European competition, where winning individual battles often determines the outcome of matches.

Strong Defensive Numbers Stand Out

One of the biggest attractions of Gineitis is his consistency without the ball.

During the previous Serie A campaign, he recorded impressive numbers across several important defensive categories. He ranked well above average among central midfielders for duels won, duel success rate, tackles, interceptions and overall defensive contributions.

Those statistics suggest a player capable of breaking up attacks before they become dangerous while maintaining the intensity needed over ninety minutes.

His aerial ability also stands out. Winning headers consistently is an area where Celtic have occasionally struggled in midfield, particularly during European matches against physically imposing opponents.

Adding a player with greater strength and defensive awareness could provide better protection for the back four while allowing more creative teammates additional freedom going forward.

More Than Just a Defensive Midfielder

Although his defensive qualities attract immediate attention, Gineitis also offers meaningful contributions in attack.

The Lithuanian international has scored five goals and registered three assists in 32 appearances for his national team. During recent World Cup qualifying fixtures, he demonstrated an ability to arrive in dangerous positions while contributing goals and creating opportunities for teammates.

At club level, he has also shown creativity, producing several big chances across the past two Serie A seasons.

This combination of defensive reliability and attacking potential makes him an attractive all-round midfielder rather than a purely destructive player.

For Celtic, that versatility could prove especially useful across domestic and European competitions where tactical flexibility is essential.

A Long-Term Investment

Another reason Gineitis represents an appealing signing is his age.

At 22, he is entering an important stage of his development and still has significant potential to improve. Under Celtic’s coaching staff, he could continue refining his technical ability while adapting to the demands of Scottish football.

Hatate, by comparison, is now 28 and approaching the years when players typically reach their peak. While experience remains valuable, Celtic have often looked to invest in younger players capable of improving further and increasing their transfer value over time.

Signing Gineitis would fit that recruitment strategy perfectly.

What Happens Next?

Much will depend on negotiations between Celtic and Torino during the final weeks of the transfer window.

If the Scottish champions can agree a fee closer to their valuation, Gineitis could become one of the club’s most significant additions of the summer. His arrival would increase competition for places and provide Martin O’Neill with another midfield option capable of handling both domestic and European challenges.

Should Hatate leave before the deadline, the Lithuanian could help fill that vacancy while offering a different profile built around energy, defensive discipline and physical strength.

Even if Hatate remains, adding another high-quality midfielder would strengthen Celtic’s overall squad depth as they prepare for another busy campaign.

An Important Decision for Celtic

Recruitment decisions made during the closing weeks of the transfer window could shape Celtic’s entire season.

With Champions League qualification and domestic silverware among the club’s primary objectives, strengthening midfield remains a logical priority. Gineitis appears to possess many of the qualities Celtic have lacked in European competition, while his age and potential make him an investment for both the present and the future.

Whether a transfer is completed remains to be seen, but the growing interest underlines Celtic’s determination to build a midfield capable of competing at a higher level. If negotiations are successful, Gineitis could arrive as one of the club’s most intriguing signings and potentially play a key role in the next chapter of Celtic’s ambitions.

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