---
title: "Celtic: Reo Hatate was ‘an absolute steal’, says Anthony Joseph"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-reo-hatate-news-latest-rumours-gossip-postecoglou-praise/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Will Seager"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2022-10-12T18:11:27Z"
modified: "2022-10-12T18:11:27Z"
---

# Celtic: Reo Hatate was ‘an absolute steal’, says Anthony Joseph

**[Celtic](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/) got ‘an absolute steal’ when they welcomed midfielder Reo Hatate to Parkhead earlier this year, according to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.**

### **The Lowdown: Hatate’s arrival**

Having joined the Hoops on New Year’s Day in a deal worth [£1.4m](https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/spfl/scottish-premiership/reo-hatate-celtic-transfer-fee-22785243), the Japan international has since played a key role in helping Ange Postecoglou’s side to the top of the [Premiership](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/scottish-premiership-news/) table.

The 24-year-old has made [seven top-flight appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/reo-hatate/leistungsdaten/spieler/496656) for Celtic thus far this season, contributing a goal and an assist from a central midfield position.

Furthermore, he has also featured in the Green and White’s [starting XI in all four](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/reo-hatate/leistungsdaten/spieler/496656) Champions League games, providing an assist in the 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk.

### **The Latest: Joseph’s claim**

Having discovered Hatate whilst in charge of Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, Joseph thinks Postecoglou deserves all the praise for bringing the midfield maestro to Celtic Park.

Speaking with [GiveMeSport](https://www.givemesport.com/88069831-celtic-deal-for-31-game-star-an-absolute-steal-at-parkhead), the Sky Sports reporter said:

*“I think Hatate was an absolute steal. I really thought Hatate was going to have a big season and would prove to be one of Celtic’s best players.”*

\[freshpress-poll id=”409479″\]

### **The Verdict: Great signing**

In the Scottish top-flight this season, the 24-year-old has averaged an impressive [7.27 match rating](https://www.sofascore.com/team/football/celtic/2352), contributing 1.9 shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.1 tackles per game (via [WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/103/Show/Scotland-Celtic)).

With the ability to play as an attacking, central or defensive midfielder, the Japanese player’s versatility and rounded skill-set is hugely admired by Postecoglou, who has used him in [all three positions](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/reo-hatate/leistungsdaten/spieler/496656) thus far in the Premiership.

H as an[‘outrageous’](https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/19894977.celtic-star-reo-hatate-earns-praise-john-mcginn-andy-robertson/) midfielder by Aston Villa captain John McGinn, Hatate’s arrival at Celtic Park is an illustration of the club’s shrewd success in the transfer market, having brought in a number of little-known gems for low fees.