Reo Hatate has confirmed he wants to leave Celtic this summer and land a move to one of Europe's elite leagues. The Japanese playmaker admits he is ready for a new challenge after four-and-a-half years in Scottish football.
It's understood Hatate, 28, has already informed the Parkhead hierarchy of his desire to move on. The midfielder, who has won eight trophies in Glasgow, believes the time is right to test himself at a higher level.
Hatate's ambition to play in top leagues
In an interview with Japanese channel FERGUS, Hatate confessed: "I would like to challenge myself in one of the top five leagues. I'm not saying I'm satisfied, but I have had the opportunity to play in the Champions League and other high-level leagues, but I still haven't been able to play at such a high level for an entire season. I still have that desire to play there. I would like to play in one of the top five leagues, and if possible, in the Europa League or Champions League. My goal is to be able to play in a league where I can do that."
Hatate is under contract for another two years but fell out of favour under Martin O'Neill last season and wasn't even included in the matchday squad for the Double-clinching Scottish Cup Final win over Dunfermline. The fans' favourite has previously attracted interest from clubs in Germany and Portugal, and it's unlikely Celtic will stand in his way if a suitable offer arrives.
Other Celtic departures and interest
Fellow Japanese international Daizen Maeda has also signalled his intention to leave Parkhead this summer in search of a new challenge. Meanwhile, £25m-rated Arne Engels could also move on, with Nottingham Forest ready to reignite their interest after selling Elliot Anderson to Manchester City for an eye-watering £116m.
Sweden star Benjamin Nygren is attracting admirers after netting 21 goals last season, while fringe men Paulo Bernardo, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Shin Yamada are also expected to depart.
