'I'll say this', 'Hatate has...' - Potentially worrying claim on Celtic star after Aberdeen

Pundit Gabby Agbonlahor believes that Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has already tripled in value, Football Insider report.

Hatate has been a revelation since making the move from Kawasaki Frontale in a deal worth £1.38m last month, contributing to five goals in six games.

However, he did have a slight drop off in performance in Wednesday’s win over Aberdeen as was one of the club’s three worst outfield starters, as per SofaScore.

The 24-year-old lost half of his 10 duels, committed two fouls and gave possession away on 17 occasions at Pittodrie, making way for Nir Bitton after 76 minutes.

Agbonlahor, who contributes for talkSPORT, was talking to Football Insider in a story released on Thursday morning.

He was full of praise for the club’s recruitment, labelling Hatate as ‘outstanding’ against Rangers earlier this month before making a claim on his valuation.

“I’ll say this, what I’ve got to praise Celtic for is their recruitment.

“Celtic and Rangers don’t have a lot of money. Celtic have gone out and got four Japanese players and two of them, so far, look like absolute bargains.

“I’m sure they’ll be going back to Japan to look for more because they look like really talented players.

“For Hatate to perform like that in his first Old Firm game in such a tense atmosphere was outstanding.

“They were so cheap. Given his performances, Hatate has probably tripled in value already. It’s good business from Celtic.”

BBC pundit Noel Whelan has recently stated that Hatate ‘will be’ wanted by Premier League clubs, such as been the extent of his fantastic form in Glasgow.

Indeed, his impressive start to life in Scotland, along with Agbonlahor’s recent valuation claim, may actually be a worry off the field for Hoops officials.

Hatate’s