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 player who had been central to Celtic’s domestic dominance, watching from the bench was clearly not a sustainable arrangement.

Why the move makes sense for both sides

Hatate’s desire for a new challenge had reportedly been brewing earlier in 2026. Despite having his contract extended through 2028, reduced playing time made his position at Celtic increasingly untenable.

For Burnley, acquiring an 11-cap Japan international with extensive European experience represents a statement signing. Hatate arrives on a three-year contract. This will be Hatate’s first taste of English football.

His international career with Japan, spanning 11 senior caps without finding the net, may also benefit from regular club football.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.