Reo Hatate signs new Celtic 5 year contract as Japanese star ends uncertainty and leaves Brendan Rodgers 'delighted'

Reo Hatate has penned a new contract at Celtic as the Japanese commits to Parkhead until 2028.

The midfielder had been the subject of reportedly lengthy contract talks with Brendan Rodgers' men but has now extended his terms in Glasgow for a further five years. It will be music to the ears of Hoops fans who saw Liel Abada follow suit with a new deal until 2027 last month. Now Hatate will be part of the champions' squad for the foreseeable future, after a summer of transfer talk affected the former Kawasaki Frontale man.

He told the club's website: “I am delighted to agree this new contract with Celtic and commit my future to the Club. I love playing for Celtic in front of the best fans around and I hope we can have more and more success together.

“We have a lot of challenges ahead of us this season and beyond, both in Scotland and in the Champions League, and we are all ready as a team to tackle these together. We will give everything we have to bring our fans more good times. I have had the best welcome ever since I joined the club and I want to thank all our fans for the great support they continue to give to us all.”

Rodgers added: “I am delighted that Reo has agreed this new contract. It is great news for both Reo himself and for the team and the Club. I have had some great discussions with him in recent weeks, I know he loves the club and our supporters and how ambitious he is to bring more success to the club.

"Reo has already shown us what a talent he is, making a great contribution to the team since he has joined Celtic.' He is a huge talent, an exciting young player with great attributes and someone who can change a game.

“I know he is the type of man and player, though, who doesn’t want to rest. He is hungry to