Scottish journalist Mark Guidi and pundit Barry Ferguson have both voiced their support for Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou to make a move for Celtic’s Reo Hatate in the future.
While a transfer didn’t materialise this summer, there is ongoing speculation that Spurs could target the Japanese international next year.
Guidi suggested that there might have been an unspoken agreement between Celtic and Postecoglou not to pursue their players last summer. However, he believes that next summer could see the Tottenham boss attempting to reunite with Hatate, who he regards as a significant player.
The journalist told Go Radio about the midfielder:
“He’s a massive player. No doubt clubs were looking at him and that turned his head for different reasons (amid current contract talks). He could still be sold in the summer.”
“He’s the type of player I could see Postecoglou coming in for. It strikes me as an unwritten rule between Postecoglou and Celtic ‘you don’t come for any of our players. Don’t come for them for a year. Don’t unsettle them’.”
“But, see next summer. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ange Postecoglou trying to get one or two Celtic players. I think Hatate will be top of the list.”
Ferguson echoed Guidi’s sentiments, expressing his belief that Hatate possesses the qualities needed to excel in the Premier League.
He mentioned that January could be a suitable time for Spurs to pursue a move for the midfielder, emphasising Hatate’s potential and age.
He added:
“I would expect them to come in January. I would like them to come in January. That’s one of the players, he’s a Postecoglou-type player. He is a player that still has more to go and he is at a brilliant age as well.”
It is a very common practice for a manager to raid on his former club for the players that he managed and knows well.
Ange surprisingly did not go back to sign any of the Celtic players but that does not mean he will not in the future either.
The midfield is an area that could benefit from reinforcement, and the prospect of securing the services of the former Celtic midfielder next summer might be appealing to Tottenham.
The chemistry and understanding developed during their time together at Celtic could make Hatate an attractive target for Postecoglou.
