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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Celtic star Reo Hatate admits Premier League ambitions

Celtic star Reo Hatate admits he does have ambitions to test himself at the highest levels possible. 

The question was posed to the midfielder after the Hoops' 1-0 win over Gamba Osaka today.

The Japanese international has been an impressive figure at the heart of the club's midfield for some time.

He joined alongside Daizen Maeda, as Ange Postecoglou brought the J-League pair to Scottish football in January 2022.

He has been linked with a move away from Celtic Park this summer, with Premier League sides Tottenham and Brighton said to be interested.

Speaking to Japanese media, Hatate was asked if he had ambitions to play in England.

The player responded: "If I can take on a challenge, I want to.

"There are things I can't do anything about, but when I lose my ambition, I'm finished as a player. That's a natural thing for a player."

Meanwhile, Maik Nawrocki is set to be confirmed as Celtic’s latest summer signing after reportedly undergoing a medical.

The 22-year-old Legia Warsaw centre-back is expected to sign a five-year contract to join the Premiership champions in a deal worth in excess of £4million. Polish outlet Mezycki.pl state Nawrocki is close to being officially confirmed as a Celtic player.

He will add further depth to Brendan Rodgers’ backline as the manager prepares his squad for the new season. Celtic rounded off their tour of Japan with a 1-0 win over Gamba Osaka earlier on Saturday and could have a new arrival waiting when they return to Glasgow.

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