Celtic Set For Contract Extension Talks With Key Player

Celtic have already been very active when it comes to agreeing new contracts with key players. Callum McGregor, Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada have all signed extensions with the club recently.

There are a few others who are very important to this team as well. Under ideal circumstances, Celtic would want to extend their deals with the club too.

Reo Hatate is someone whom the club are believed to be keen on agreeing to a new deal with. But there have been suggestions that he has already turned down one extension offer.

Many fans viewed that as a sign that Hatate was on his way out of the club. That did not happen this summer, although it must be pointed out that the Japanese midfielder is currently out injured.

The good news is that it looks like the club are set to reopen contract talks with Hatate's camp now that the summer transfer window is over.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Anthony Joseph said: "Hatate asked if he could wait until after the transfer window had shut before they resume talks.

"Hatate is one who has turned down the first offer. Celtic offered him initial improved terms and an extension on his current deal.

"He and Liel Abada have got three years left on their contracts, but Celtic are just wanting to make them near the top earners because they are such important players and also to extend their contracts to protect them from future bids.

"Although Hatate has turned down that first offer, he is open to negotiation. I think Celtic and Hatate's reps will be sitting down together quite soon to get that done."

Hatate staying on would be the best thing for the club. The Japanese midfielder has not made a good start this season and appeared to be still adjusting to Brendan Rodgers' system before he was injured.

But there is absolutely zero doubt about his talent. Hatate is arguably the best player that Celtic have right now.

So, it makes all the sense in the world for him to be handed a new deal. Most fans hope that he will come into his own sooner or later. 

For the time being, it is important that he recovers from his injury. The initial suggestions were that he would be out for around a month.