The subject of our attention is one, Reo Hatate. This bright talent, born on the day of 21st November 1997 in the far-off lands of Japan, now clocks in at a hearty 27 years. Filling in the role of a midfielder, especially favouring the central position for the beloved Celtic, his diminutive stature of 5 feet 7 inches (1.71m) and hardy weight of 11 stone (70kg) is an eye-catcher on the pitch, adorned with the number 41 jersey. Beyond our shores, Hatate has also flown the flag for the Japanese national team.
Realistically, Hatate's current market value scores around a healthy £10.6m, as stated by the perceptive folks at Transfermarkt.
Travel back to August 2018, and you'd witness Hatate muster up his resolve to join the ranks of Kawasaki Frontale in the J1 League, Japan's premier football competition. His debut season in 2019 saw him scantly making his stamp with a single first team appearance in league matches; however, fortune favoured the Japanese midfielder in the years that followed. The 2020 season saw him finding his stride, clocking in a hefty 31 first team appearances, with the net shuddering five times from his onslaught. A similar tale repeated itself in 2021, with Hatate playing 30 matches and scoring another five goals.
Flashing forward to a chilly January in 2022, Hatate decided to trade the land of the rising sun for the rugged beauty of Scotland, joining Celtic from Kawasaki Frontale for a cool £1.4m. A sound investment, one might argue, given his subsequent performances. The 2021 - 2022 season saw our Japanese import earn his stripes on the Celtic pitch, with 17 first team appearances and four league goals. In the ensuing seasons, Hatate truly cemented his role within the team, maintaining a steady pace of performance and leading his team to victory time and time again.
The tale of Hatate's career continues to be written, but a few highlights from his past are worth mentioning. The green and white jersey bearer, our very own Hatate, represented Celtic in the esteemed Champions League in the 2023 - 2024 season, he also marked his stamp in the Scottish Cup in 2024 - 2025. Beyond club-level prestige, he also flaunted his talent in the World Cup Qualifiers Asia in 2024 - 2026 and back on familiar grounds in the Champions League Qualifiers 2025 - 2026, pulling on the hooped jersey of his adopted home, Celtic.
