Delight for Celtic as Reo Hatate signs new five-year contract

Celtic have been handed a boost as midfielder Reo Hatate has signed a new long-term deal with the club.

The 25-year-old Japan international has signed a new five-year contract, committing his future to the Treble-winners.

Hatate has become a key player for Celtic since moving from Kawasaki Frontale in January 2022 to join Ange Postecoglou’s side, and his performances had seen him linked with a move to the English Premier League.

He has made five appearances so far under new manager Brendan Rodgers, scoring his first goal of the season from the penalty spot last weekend, and says he is looking forward to achieving more in Glasgow’s east end.

“I am delighted to agree this new contract with Celtic and commit my future to the club.,” Hatate told the club website.

“I love playing for Celtic in front of the best fans around and I hope we can have more and more success.

“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.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said: “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 improve every day and achieve more and more to be the very best he can be – and Celtic is a great place for him to do this.

“We go forward now together with real confidence and I really look forward to continuing our work with him and the rest of the squad as we face all our challenges ahead.”