Celtic plans to finalize the transfer of Reo Hatate, with a replacement already identified.

Celtic have reportedly made the decision to sell Reo Hatate during the current transfer window, with Martin O’Neill looking to strengthen his midfield and reshape his options in the middle of the pitch.

Sources have told Football Insider that Hatate is no longer considered part of O’Neill’s plans at Celtic following a difficult spell for the Japanese midfielder, particularly towards the end of last season.

The 28-year-old struggled to establish himself as a regular starter during the closing stages of the previous campaign. In fact, he failed to begin any of Celtic’s final eight matches, underlining the extent to which his position in the team had changed.

Hatate was also left out of the matchday squad altogether when Celtic secured the league title against Hearts, further suggesting that his importance within O’Neill’s plans had significantly diminished.

His opportunities have remained limited at the beginning of the new campaign. Across Celtic’s opening four matches of the 2026-27 season, the Japan international has played just 25 minutes, all of them coming from the substitutes’ bench.

With Celtic continuing to strengthen their midfield, Hatate’s chances of reclaiming a regular position appear increasingly limited.

Celtic Want Hatate to Leave

Football Insider reports that Celtic have now reached a final decision regarding Hatate’s future and are prepared to sell him this summer.

That decision has reportedly been made despite the midfielder turning down approaches from several clubs outside Scotland.

Hatate has already rejected interest from overseas, meaning Celtic may have to work harder to convince him to accept a move before the transfer window closes.

The midfielder is understood to have turned down the opportunity to join Greek club Panathinaikos during the past week. He has also rejected approaches from clubs in Austria and the United States.

Those decisions have complicated Celtic’s efforts to move him on, but the club are reportedly determined to find a solution.

O’Neill has already strengthened his midfield by signing Mika Baur from Paderborn and wants to add another player before the deadline.

That would make competition for places even more intense and could leave Hatate facing an even greater struggle for regular playing time.

More Competition Could Push Hatate Down the Order

Celtic’s intention to bring in another midfielder could ultimately be used to encourage Hatate to reconsider his position.

The club reportedly want to make it clear that opportunities will be difficult to come by if he remains at Parkhead.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, Football Insider explained that another midfield arrival would push Hatate further down the pecking order.

The midfielder had already found himself outside O’Neill’s preferred options during the latter stages of last season, particularly while Celtic were competing for the league title.

With more competition now expected in the engine room, Hatate could find it increasingly difficult to force his way back into the starting XI.

Celtic are therefore understood to be open to offers and have made the player available for transfer.

The situation leaves Hatate with an important decision to make. If he remains at Celtic without accepting a move elsewhere, he could face another season in which regular first-team football is difficult to secure.

For a player of his experience and ability, finding a club where he can play consistently could become an important priority.

Celtic Search for Another Midfielder

While Celtic attempt to resolve Hatate’s situation, O’Neill is continuing his search for another midfield addition.

The manager is keen to improve his options following the departure of Arne Engels, who completed a major-money move away from the club.

Celtic have therefore turned their attention towards the European market as they search for a player capable of strengthening the squad.

One of the names that has emerged is Slovan Liberec midfielder Ermic Mahmic.

Sources have told Football Insider that Celtic have expressed an interest in the Bosnia international, who recently attracted attention with his performances at the World Cup.

Mahmic scored twice in three appearances for Bosnia at the tournament, helping to increase his profile and potentially attracting interest from clubs outside the Czech Republic.

Talks Underway for Mahmic

Celtic have now reportedly taken a significant step towards signing Mahmic, with discussions opened with his current club Slovan Liberec.

Negotiations are understood to have started over a possible transfer, with the Scottish champions exploring the terms required to complete a deal.

An agreement could potentially be reached for a package worth around £8.5 million.

That would represent a considerable investment from Celtic as O’Neill looks to rebuild his midfield options and prepare the team for the challenges ahead.

The potential arrival of Mahmic would also further increase the pressure on Hatate’s position within the squad.

If Celtic complete the signing of another midfielder before the transfer deadline, O’Neill would have even more options in the centre of the pitch.

That could make Hatate’s pathway back into the team even more difficult and strengthen Celtic’s desire to find him a new club.

Hatate Future Could Be Decided Soon

Celtic’s position appears increasingly clear: the club are willing to allow Hatate to leave, while the player is yet to accept any of the opportunities presented to him.

The midfielder’s limited involvement under O’Neill has already raised questions about his long-term future, and the arrival of further midfield reinforcements could make his situation even more challenging.

With Celtic continuing talks for Mahmic and potentially looking at other midfield targets, the club are moving towards a squad that may have little room for Hatate.

The coming days could therefore prove decisive.

Celtic need to strengthen their midfield, while Hatate needs to determine whether remaining at Parkhead is worthwhile if his playing opportunities continue to diminish.

If another midfielder arrives before the deadline, the Japanese international may have to reconsider the offers available to him as Celtic look to complete a transfer that appears increasingly inevitable.