Reo Hatate joins Burnley from Celtic

Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate has completed a permanent transfer from Celtic to Burnley, signing a three-year contract with the English club on September 1, 2026. The move marks the end of a four-and-a-half-year spell in Glasgow for the 28-year-old, during which he became a decorated player in the Scottish Premiership. Hatate joined Celtic in January 2022 from Kawasaki Frontale for approximately 1.4 million. During his tenure, he made 191 appearances, scoring 33 goals and providing 31 assists. He was a key figure in Celtic's success, contributing to five Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups, and two Scottish League Cups. His transfer to Burnley reportedly cost the English club 6.5 million, with potential additional add-ons. The transfer comes after a period of reduced playing time for Hatate at Celtic, particularly in the 2025-26 season where his appearances were limited to substitute roles in Champions League qualifiers. Despite having his contract extended through 2028, his desire for more consistent game time and a new challenge reportedly led to the move.