He wants to leave: Celtic star announced his exit, Immediately boad appointed Martin O’Neill on permanent deal He didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye to the boys.

He Wants to Leave: Celtic Fighting to Keep ‘Outstanding’ Star After Exit Talks

Celtic will be hoping that next season won’t be as turbulent as the campaign just finished, as they enter a big summer for the football club.

Despite clinching the Scottish Premiership title ahead of Hearts on the final day, as well as lifting the Scottish Cup, the Old Firm outfit had three different managers over the course of the campaign.

Club legend Brendan Rodgers departed in October and was replaced by Martin O’Neill on an interim basis before the Bhoys appointed Wilfried Nancy. The Frenchman’s spell in charge was a disaster, leading to O’Neill returning until the end of the season.

Following those two interim spells in charge, O’Neill is set to remain at Parkhead, but Celtic still have plenty of work to do this summer. One of those tasks now looks to be finding a replacement for midfielder Reo Hatate.

According to Celtic journalist Stephen McGowan, Hatate has informed his employers that he wants to make a move this summer.

The Japanese international has been at the Glasgow club for four-and-a-half years, having joined from Kawasaki Frontale in January 2022.

Hatate wasn’t included in Japan’s squad for the World Cup this summer, having not played for his country in over a year.

The 28-year-old made 47 appearances for Celtic across all competitions last season, but missed the decisive league win over Hearts and the Scottish Cup final success against Dunfermline Athletic last month.

Described as “outstanding” by former boss Brendan Rodgers last year amid reported interest at the time from Udinese, Hatate would be missed by the Celtic faithful if he were to complete a transfer

The midfielder is contracted until the summer of 2028 and has made just shy of 200 appearances for the club during his tenure.

Finding a replacement for the Japanese maestro would be one of a number of tasks for Martin O’Neill, who already appears to have a significant job on his hands this summer.

Following a tough season, a number of players could be on their way out of Glasgow this summer, and it appears as though Hatate is likely to be one of them.

*He Wants to Leave: Celtic Fighting to Keep ‘Outstanding’ Star After Exit Talks*

Celtic are in a battle to keep one of their ‘outstanding’ stars after the player reportedly asked to hold exit talks this week.

The Hoops have been hit with interest from the Premier League and Saudi Pro League for the 24-year-old, who was key to Brendan Rodgers’ title win last season. He’s under contract until 2028, but his camp believe it’s time for a new challenge.

Sources say the player met Celtic’s hierarchy to discuss his future and made it clear he “wants to leave” if the right offer comes in. That’s forced Celtic into emergency mode. Rodgers called it a “difficult situation” but insisted the club won’t be bullied into a sale. “He’s outstanding for us. We want to keep our best players,” Rodgers said after training.

Celtic value him at £35m+, knowing he’s irreplaceable in their system. The board are ready to offer improved terms and a bigger role to convince him to stay. The 49ers Enterprises link to Leeds United also means player trading could help fund a replacement if needed.

Fans on social media are split. Some want the club to cash in at peak value. Others argue selling now would derail their Champions League plans.

For now, Celtic are fighting hard behind the scenes. But with the player pushing for talks, this one could drag all summer. He didn’t say goodbye.