Overview
- Burnley completed the permanent signing of Japan midfielder Reo Hatate on Tuesday, agreeing a three-year contract and paying about £6.5 million plus add-ons to Celtic.
- Reports say Burnley acted late on deadline day to secure the deal and talkSPORT alleges the club moved in while Hatate was travelling to join Blackburn on loan, a claim presented as that outlet’s reporting.
- Hatate posted an emotional farewell on Instagram thanking Celtic supporters and told Burnley he saw the move as a fresh challenge and his first time playing in England.
- Hatate leaves Celtic after roughly 191 appearances, 33 goals and 31 assists and a haul of domestic trophies that included five league titles, with his reduced playing time in 2025–26 cited as a factor in the exit.
- The transfer gives Burnley added midfield experience as they push for promotion and provides Celtic with a transfer fee and squad space to finalise more signings and complete Europa League registration.