Celtic are likely to dip into the transfer market again in January and next summer as Brendan Rodgers looks to evolve the squad for his last season in charge.
The Celtic manager has been ruthless in his pursuit of transfer targets that will improve the team and in getting players out of the club that he sees as not part of his plans.
And that trend could be set to continue next summer according to Mark Guidi.
Reo Hatate could be ‘away’ from Celtic in the summer
Speaking about the plight of Arne Engels and the squad depth Celtic have in the midfield, Guidi reckons that Brendan Rodgers’ summer recruitment could pave the way for Reo Hatate to leave the club next year.
Guidi said on The Go Radio Football Show. “I mean, genuinely, and I’m not making excuses for the guy, just give him a bit of time.
“I mean, I know it’s a different ballgame, but you look down the road. For example, there’s Archie Gray.
“Spurs have bought him for £40 million. Gets a wee game here and there. So he’s getting to know the system.
“I remember Jack Grealish. Look at his first season at Man City. Didn’t start many games.
“So they get in, they get to know the system, and it’s about preparing. I think Brendan Rodgers said at the weekend, it’s about preparing for the future.
“So I wouldn’t be surprised if Hatate’s away in the summer.
“So you’re always preparing, and then he’s a year into it. You’ve got Luke McCowan there, too. You’ve got Bernardo there, who’s signed the long-term deal.”
Celtic’s success and Reo Hatate
Hatate, who has been described as ‘phenomenal‘ by Simon Donnelly has been instrumental in the number of trophies Celtic have picked up over the last three seasons.
In 108 appearances for Celtic, Hatate has scored 20 goals and created 20 assists which includes this one against Rangers:
🟢The reason he's started so well at Celtic
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 6, 2022
🟢His favourite goal against Rangers
🟢Why he can get even better this season
Our exclusive interview with Celtic's Reo Hatate ahead of Motherwell vs Celtic – live on Sky Sports from 1pm📺 pic.twitter.com/dycRPWzqBF
And this beauty against Hearts:
🎙️"Oh wow! That is simply stunning from Hatate!"
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 26, 2022
What a strike from 30 yards as Reo Hatate puts @CelticFC ahead at Hearts with his first goal for the club🚀 pic.twitter.com/iACbJtLbhv
With three league titles, two Scottish Cups and a League Cup to his name, if Hatate can add more silverware to his name this season then he will go down as a hero to the Celtic fans.