Reo Hatate is the latest player to be linked with a big money move to Saudi Arabia.
The Celtic midfielder, who is reportedly wanted by Ange Postecoglou to join him at Tottenham, is one new boss Brendan Rodgers’ prised assets and the Irishman will be desperate to keep the Japanese international as he looks to continue his predecessor’s success in the Parkhead hotseat.
Now reports in Saudi Arabia claim big spending Al Ittihad have joined the race for the midfielder. The nation's PIF, who also funded a takeover of Newcastle United, has ploughed billions in to Saudi Pro League clubs in recent weeks, which has seen the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hakim Ziyech and Ruben Neves follow in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps and make the switch to the oil rich Gulf state. Now their wealth is threatening to impact on Scottish football as Hatate is linked with a life changing move.
A news network linked to Al Ittihad claim Hatate is “close” to the Saudi outfit, but whether a deal is actually in the works at this stage is unclear. Hatate has become one of the Hoops’ star men since arriving from Japan in January 2022, along with Daizen Maeda.
The 25-year-old still has three years left to run on his Celtic deal. However, money has proven no obstacle for Al Ittihad in other deals and it could be hard for either club or player to say no given the potential finances involved.
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