Reo Hatate told the Celtic transfer exit rules as Parkhead 'policy' leads to crossroads during contract stalemate

Star man Reo Hatate will be on the way out of Celtic if he refuses to pen a contract extension with the Scottish Premiership champions.

That is the view of Barry Ferguson as he pointed to the Hoops transfer policy in recent seasons. The Japan international has a deal which runs to 2026 and Record Sport revealed Parkhead chiefs had opened discussions with both the 25-year-old and Liel Abada over extending their deal - but reports suggest that Hatate has now put talks on hold until the end of the summer window.

The midfielder has admitted that he hopes to make a move to a top five league and has openly stated his desire to play in the English Premier League one day - with Saudi Pro League clubs also named as potential transfer suitors this summer. But following the quick-fire exit of the likes of Giorgos Giakoumakis after he failed to pen a new Parkhead deal the former Rangers captain reckons Hatate could be heading out of the door.

Asked about Hatate's situation, Ferguson told The Go Radio Football Show: "He is a quality operator. If he doesn't sign a new contract, well, Celtic's policy is they offload them. It's as simple as that.

"If they are not willing to commit they will look to bring in millions. They brought him in for £2 million and he has got three years left of a contract and for me he has got everything a modern day midfielder should have. He is aggressive and he can score a goal, but it looks to me that Hatate could be on the way out."

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