Waving flag with Leicester City FC football club logo. Editorial 3D
Leicester City are reportedly interested in signing Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate this summer.
The 26-year-old has been a key part of the Hoops squad over recent years that has managed to win three straight Scottish Premiership titles.
The latest of those successes arrived during the 2023-24 term under the leadership of Brendan Rodgers, who is a massive admirer of Hatate in the engine room.
The Japan international started 12 matches in the league for Celtic last campaign, scoring three goals and providing four assists as his side pipped Rangers to the Scottish crown.
Since making the switch from J1 League outfit Kawasaki Frontale during the January window of 2022, Hatate has featured on 92 occasions for the Bhoys, finding the net 17 times.
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Leicester ‘monitoring’ Celtic star Hatate
According to football editor Chris Wheatley, Hatate’s two-year stay at Parkhead could be coming to an end before the conclusion of the summer transfer window.
The report states that the 26-year-old is attracting interest from top-flight newcomers Leicester, who are looking to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
It is understood that Hatate is keen on a move to the Premier League this summer as he looks to prove himself at the highest level of football possible.
As well as Steve Cooper‘s Foxes, it is believed that the nine-time international has potential suitors in Italy and Spain, although the clubs in question are currently unknown.
Hatate has been the subject of concrete interest already this summer, with title-winning Celtic rejecting an offer for the midfielder from Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.
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Where would Hatate fit at Leicester?
Following the £30m move of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea at the beginning of July, a large chunk of Leicester’s transfer business has been centred around bulking up their midfield.
Leaving North London permanently for the first time in his football career, Oliver Skipp has switched from Tottenham Hotspur to the King Power Stadium for £20m.
Representing a more attacking option in the engine room, Facundo Buonanotte has joined Leicester on loan for the season from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Hatate would offer a rounded presence in the midfield for the Foxes, with the Celtic man possessing the ability to make an impact at both ends of the pitch.
