SAD: Celtic’s star player has also decided to leave the club alongside O’Reilly… One of the top clubs in the Premier League has submitted offer for him to sign him IMMEDIATELY.

Leicester City has set its sights on Celtic star Reo Hatate as the summer transfer window nears its conclusion. According to reports, the Japanese midfielder is keen on a move to the Premier League, making him a prime target for the Foxes, who are eager to bolster their midfield after a turbulent summer.

Leicester’s Interest in Hatate

The interest in Hatate comes as Leicester City faces a critical period in their campaign. The club recently lost their manager, Enzo Maresca, and key midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea, leaving significant gaps to fill in their squad. Despite these challenges, Leicester managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Tottenham in their opening Premier League fixture under the guidance of new manager Steve Cooper.

Leicester has already taken steps to reinforce their midfield by bringing in Oliver Skipp from Tottenham and Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton. Additionally, Boubakary Soumare has returned from a loan spell, further strengthening their options in the middle of the park. However, with ten days left in the transfer window, the club is determined to make further additions, with Hatate emerging as a top target.

Hatate’s Impact at Celtic

Reo Hatate has been a standout performer for Celtic since joining the club in January 2022. The 26-year-old was a key member of Brendan Rodgers’ squad that clinched the Scottish Premiership title last season. Known for his versatility and technical prowess, Hatate has been described as “sensational” by pundits, including former Scotland international James McFadden. His performances have not only caught the eye of Leicester but have also attracted interest from clubs in Spain and Italy.

During the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership season, Hatate made 16 appearances for Celtic, scoring three goals and providing four assists. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a valuable asset, and it’s no surprise that Leicester is keen on securing his services. Hatate’s international experience with Japan further adds to his appeal, as he brings a level of maturity and composure to the pitch that is crucial for any team competing at the highest level.

Celtic’s Transfer Challenges

Celtic faces a dilemma as they try to keep their squad intact while fending off interest from other clubs. The Glasgow giants have already rejected an offer from Zenit St. Petersburg for Hatate earlier this summer, signaling their intent to hold onto their key players. However, the mounting interest from Premier League clubs, particularly Leicester, poses a significant challenge as the transfer window draws to a close.

Leicester’s interest in Hatate is not the only concern for Celtic. The club is also battling to retain another key midfielder, Matt O’Riley. The Denmark international had an exceptional season with Celtic, scoring 18 goals and registering 13 assists, making him one of the standout players in the squad. His performances have attracted interest from several clubs, including Serie A giants Atalanta and Premier League side Southampton. However, Celtic has been holding out for a club-record fee, and most recently, Brighton has entered the race for O’Riley’s signature.

Leicester’s Transfer Strategy

Leicester City’s pursuit of Hatate is part of a broader strategy to rebuild their squad after the departures of key players. The club has already added Isshaku Fatawu and Bobby DeCordova-Reid to their attacking options, while Caleb Okoli has strengthened the center-back position. Despite these additions, the club is expected to be active in the final days of the transfer window, with more signings anticipated as they look to avoid relegation back to the Championship.

Kelechi Iheanacho, Harry Souttar, Dennis Praet, and Marc Albrighton have all left Leicester following their promotion to the Premier League. These departures have created a sense of urgency within the club to bring in quality replacements who can help stabilize the team and ensure they remain competitive in the top flight.

Celtic’s Stance on Hatate

Celtic’s management is aware of the growing interest in Hatate and is likely to face a tough decision in the coming days. While the club is keen to retain their key players to challenge for another Scottish Premiership title, the financial lure of a substantial transfer fee could be tempting. However, losing Hatate would be a significant blow to the team, especially as they prepare for the challenges of both domestic and European competitions.

Brendan Rodgers, who returned to Celtic for a second stint as manager, has been instrumental in the development of players like Hatate and O’Riley. Rodgers’ tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players have been key factors in Celtic’s success, and he will undoubtedly be keen to keep his squad together as they aim to continue their dominance in Scottish football.

The Final Days of the Transfer Window

As the transfer window enters its final days, the focus will be on whether Leicester can secure a deal for Hatate and how Celtic will respond to the mounting interest in their star players. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on both clubs’ fortunes this season.

For Leicester, signing Hatate would be a statement of intent as they look to rebuild their squad and establish themselves in the Premier League. The addition of a player of Hatate’s caliber would provide a significant boost to their midfield, adding creativity, energy, and experience.

For Celtic, the priority will be to keep their squad intact while potentially reinvesting any transfer fees into new signings that can help maintain their dominance in the Scottish Premiership and make a mark in Europe. The club’s ability to navigate these challenges will be a testament to their ambition and determination to stay at the top.

In conclusion, Leicester City’s interest in Reo Hatate highlights the ongoing challenges faced by clubs like Celtic in retaining their top talent. As the transfer window nears its close, the negotiations surrounding Hatate and other key players will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, with the potential to shape the course of the season for both clubs.