As the transfer window nears its end, the rumour mill is heading into overdrive again as players are being linked away left, right and centre. As Celtic fans, we have grown used to our best players being linked to Europe’s top 5 leagues, the Premier League more specifically.
However likely these moves are to actually happen is another story, with links with Kyogo Furuhashi and Cameron Carter-Vickers to Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs earlier in the window seeming like too obvious a link to make and being swiftly dismissed. Some offers are too good to refuse, however Celtic will do everything in their power to keep the club’s best here, especially considering the current barebones situation the squad is in thanks to the most recent injury crisis.
Some of the club’s assets have been linked with moves away over the last few days, but just how likely are we to lose them?
Reo Hatate
It has been an odd start to the season for Hatate as his usually steady and nailed-on position in the starting eleven has come under question by Brendan Rodgers. Hatate hasn’t started a competitive game for the club yet this season and, after suffering an injury at Pittodrie two weeks ago, we won’t see the Japanese midfielder until after the international break, meaning he will miss a chunk of Celtic’s Champions League group stage campaign as well as a trip to Ibrox.
Hatate was linked with moves to Brighton to join former team-mate Kaoru Mitoma as well as potentially joining Jota at Al-Ittihad. The latest on the 25-year-old was that he rejected an improved contract offer presented to him by Celtic but is open to renewing at the club beyond 2026, however he would prefer to wait until after the transfer window, therefore keeping his options open.
The links to Brighton have only strengthened following the departure of Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for a British record transfer fee. Hatate seems extremely keen on a move to one of Europe’s top 5 leagues and should that opportunity present itself before the window slams shut, Reo Hatate could move on.
Transfer Likelihood: 7/10
Matt O’Riley
The Dane has been consistently linked with a move away from Celtic for about a year now, with the Bundesliga and the Premier League both having sides with reported interest in the 22-year-old.
However, just last night it was reported by the Daily Record that Celtic had rejected a bid from Serie A side Bologna for the midfielder’s services.
Bologna have had successfully shopping in the Scottish Premiership over the last few years with Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson shining for I Rossoblù.
However, with Hatate seeming to be nearing the exit door, the club will be reluctant to lose Matt O’Riley as well and the Dane seems to be relishing the new responsibilities and importance bestowed upon him by Brendan Rodgers.
However, another Celt could be on their way to Serie A very soon.
Likelihood: 3/10
Rocco Vata
B-Team starlet Rocco Vata is edging ever closer to a move away from Glasgow with a four-year-deal on the table courtesy of Hellas Verona.
Vata has been teetering on the edge of breaking through to the first team for a few years now but the opportunities have never presented themselves, leading to the 18-year-old seeking out pastures new to get some valuable first-team minutes.
Torino and Ronny Deila’s Club Brugge had both registered interest in Vata’s services but the Irishman seems like he could complete a move to Verona in the coming days.
Likelihood: 8/10
JAMES MCKENZIE
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