Celtic ‘will be determined’ to keep £15k-a-week star at Parkhead

Celtic will be ‘determined to keep hold’ of star midfielder Reo Hatate for the foreseeable future, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The talented 24-year-old only arrived at Parkhead in January but has already endeared himself to the club’s fan base through a string of outstanding performances.

Hatate signed a four-and-a-half-year contract worth £14,500-per-week with Celtic after helping Kawasaki Frontale to their second successive Japanese title back in his homeland.

And the technically gifted star made an instant impact under manager Ange Postecoglou, registering four goals and three assists in 21 appearances across all competitions last season.

The Japan international played a key role in Celtic reclaiming their Scottish Premiership title, bagging a brace and setting up a further strike in a 4-0 thrashing of bitter rivals Rangers.

Hatate has also managed to maintain that eye-catching form in the current campaign, racking up two assists in his opening six outings.

Unfortunately for Celtic, though, Hatate’s impressive displays may see more affluent clubs come calling for his signature sooner rather than later, especially if he continues to shine in the Champions League.

O’Rourke believes that the Celtic hierarchy will be eager to retain the services of the 5 foot 8 ace but admits only time will tell if offers do arrive for his services over the next couple of transfer windows.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I’m sure Celtic will be determined to keep hold of Hatate and all their other top players at least until the summer.

“But we’ll have to wait and see if offers do arrive for Hatate between January and next summer.”

Celtic are currently sitting at the top of the Scottish Premiership table and are two