Celtic have been linked with several players as potential January transfer targets. One of them is Kawasaki Frontale’s Reo Hatate. He has been one of the most highly-rated players in the J1 League for a while now and after the success that Kyogo Furuhashi has enjoyed since moving to Glasgow in the summer, it must have given considerable encouragement to the club when it comes to signing more Japanese players.

Hatate has shown incredible versatility and can play on both both wings as well as a left-back even though he is a natural midfielder. The fact that he has done so with back-to-back J1 League champions Kawasaki Frontale is what makes it even more impressive.

Thus, Hatate could be a solid addition to Ange Postecoglou’s side, especially because of their lack of depth in several positions.

Hatate’s current deal with Kawasaki Frontale runs out at the end of January, meaning he will be available on a free transfer soon. But as reported by The Athletic, there is talk that Celtic may even push to get him out of the final few weeks of his contract so he can join their training camp during the post-New Year winter break.

Celtic could make bold Hatate transfer decision

What would such a strategy involve? Could it take a small transfer fee? Or would Kawasaki Frontale be open to just letting him leave when their campaign is over?

That does not pretty clear at the moment but things could certainly get interesting when it comes to Celtic’s Hatate transfer chase.

Another thing that would be interesting is where Postecoglou would play Hatate if he does end up signing the Japanese star. Earlier there had been suggestions that the club were looking at him as a midfielder but there have been some rumours recently that he is viewed as the answer at left-back.