Reo Hatate’s Celtic Form Under Scrutiny Amid Transfer Rumors

Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate is facing increasing questions regarding his commitment to the club, with recent performances drawing criticism from both football personalities and observers. The scrutiny comes amidst ongoing speculation about potential moves away from Parkhead, raising concerns about the Japanese international’s focus and motivation.

Snooker Legend Questions Hatate’s Dedication

John Higgins, the 2025 World Open snooker champion and a self-proclaimed Celtic supporter, recently voiced his concerns about Hatate’s current form. Higgins stated that Hatate appears to have “thrown in the towel,” suggesting a lack of effort following reported interest from other clubs. Source

A Dip in Form Following Transfer Speculation

Both Hatate and teammate Daizen Maeda have been linked with potential transfers, and their performances have reportedly suffered as a result. Higgins believes Maeda should remain in the starting lineup despite his own dip in form, but questioned whether Hatate should continue to feature, citing a need for more energy in midfield. Source

Concerns Over Attitude and Commitment

Former Celtic player Charlie Mulgrew has as well expressed doubts about Hatate’s commitment. Mulgrew questioned the midfielder’s attitude, suggesting his recent performances are not down to a lack of ability, but rather a lack of desire. He pointed to a costly penalty conceded in a recent match as evidence of a lack of focus. Source

Mulgrew stated that Hatate’s current struggles are “not a coincidence,” and suggested they stem from a lack of engagement with the game. Source

Hatate’s Celtic Career to Date

Reo Hatate joined Celtic in 2022 and quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing impressive performances in his initial months with the club. Source He has made 124 appearances for Celtic, scoring 24 goals as of February 15, 2026. Source He also represents the Japan national team, with 11 caps as of March 25, 2025. Source

O’Neill’s Challenge: Re-igniting Hatate’s Spark

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill acknowledges Hatate’s recent struggles but believes the player can rediscover his previous form. O’Neill hopes to unlock Hatate’s potential and integrate him into the team’s title challenge. Source

Looking Ahead

With a crucial run of games ahead, Celtic will need all their players performing at their best. Whether Reo Hatate can overcome his current challenges and recapture his previous form remains to be seen, but his commitment and attitude will be key to his success at Celtic.