Reo Hatate bids farewell to Celtic after completing Burnley move

Reo Hatate has officially said goodbye to Celtic after completing a permanent transfer to Burnley, ending a four-and-a-half-year spell in Glasgow that saw the Japanese midfielder transform from a relatively unknown import into one of the Scottish Premiership’s most decorated midfielders. The deal, completed on September 1, 2026, as part of Burnley’s deadline-day business, reportedly cost the English club £6.5 million plus potential add-ons. For context, Celtic paid around £1.4 million to sign Hatate from Kawasaki Frontale in January 2022. A Celtic career measured in silverware Hatate’s time at Celtic Park was, by any standard, absurdly productive. The 28-year-old racked up 191 appearances for the Hoops, contributing 33 goals and 31 assists across all competitions. He was part of five Scottish Premiership-winning squads during his tenure, along with two Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups. His farewell carried genuine emotion. Hatate expressed heartfelt sentiments toward the Celtic community, reflecting on the experiences he shared with supporters at Celtic Park. His only appearances during the 2025-26 season came as a substitute in Champions League qualifiers, and for a play...