Hatate Facing Uncertain Future Under Martin O’Neill’s Celtic Return
While Celtic fans celebrated a recent victory over Falkirk, a significant storyline involving midfielder Reo Hatate continues to develop quietly in the background. Despite the high stakes of a Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren, Hatate remained an unused substitute for the second consecutive match. Even with six changes permitted, interim manager Martin O’Neill opted not to bring the Japanese playmaker onto the pitch.
A Lack of Favor at Parkhead
Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie believes there is a clear reason for Hatate’s lack of game time. Speaking on the “Let Me Be Frank” podcast, McAvennie revealed he has been told that Hatate is simply not one of O’Neill’s preferred options. McAvennie expressed surprise at this development, noting that he still considers Hatate to be among the most talented midfielders in the squad.
The statistics suggest a dwindling role for the midfielder. His most recent appearance was a brief 17-minute cameo during a 1-0 win over St Mirren in the Premiership. This is a sharp decline for a player who was once a mainstay in the starting lineup.
Playing for a Summer Exit
Speculation is mounting that Hatate may be looking for a way out of Glasgow. However, McAvennie argues that the player’s current approach is counterproductive. He suggests that if Hatate truly desires a transfer, he needs to prove his worth on the field rather than stagnating on the bench.
McAvennie pointed to Daizen Maeda as an example of a player finding his form at the right time. He advised Hatate to use the final games of the season to showcase his ability to potential suitors. According to the former forward, no club will move for a player who is either not playing or performing poorly when given the chance.
A Season of Mixed Results
Hatate’s campaign has been defined by inconsistency. While he showed glimpses of his former self during the Europa League clash with Feyenoord and a notable performance at Ibrox, his overall impact has waned.
Reo Hatate: Season Statistics
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premiership | 28 | 19 | 2 | 2 | 6.68 |
| Europa League | 9 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 6.89 |
| With only a handful of games remaining in the season, the path forward seems clear. Unless Hatate can find a way back into O’Neill’s plans and rediscover his best form, a summer departure appears increasingly likely for the midfielder. |