Celtic's Reo Hatate tells club that he wants to leave this summer

The 28-year-old believes a move now would suit both himself and the club.

Reo Hatate has told Celtic that he wants to leave the club this summer, with the Japanese midfielder deciding the time is right to move on from the Scottish champions.

Signed from Kawasaki Frontale in January 2022 as one of the first arrivals of the Ange Postecoglou era, Hatate has built an impressive haul of silverware at Celtic Park, winning five league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups.

Hatate was largely used as a substitute during the closing stages of last season as Martin O’Neill’s side surged towards a league and cup double. Now, with Celtic aware of his wishes, he looks set to be one of the first major names through the exit door as the summer rebuild gets under way.

No firm bids have landed yet, but interest is already growing and more departures are expected at Parkhead. Kasper Schmeichel and Stephen Welsh have already gone, while questions remain over Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Daizen Maeda also appears to have played his final game after an impressive end to the season.

Elsewhere, Arne Engels has been linked with AC Milan, Maik Nawrocki is reportedly free to leave, and several January loan signings have already returned to their parent clubs. Reports in Japan have stated defender Hayato Inamura is close to a £1.5million move to FC Tokyo.

Celtic’s summer shake-up is already in full swing.