West Ham United are keeping close tabs on Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports. The 28-year-old Japanese international has caught the eye of recruitment personnel at the London Stadium, who have been impressed by his underlying statistics. West Ham finished 18th in the Premier League last season with 39 points, 10 wins, 9 draws, and 19 losses from 38 games, ending their campaign on a mixed run of form (WLLLW).
Who is Reo Hatate and why is West Ham interested?
Hatate has spent four full seasons at Celtic Park, establishing himself as one of the most polished midfielders in Scottish football. Last season, he made 27 Scottish Premiership appearances, scoring two goals and providing two assists. His pass completion rate stood at 83.81%, and he averaged 1.98 key passes per match, earning an overall FotMob rating of 6.8. However, his standout performances came in Europe, where he scored three goals in nine Europa League outings.
What does Hatate bring to West Ham’s midfield?
West Ham’s midfield struggled last season, with a lack of bite, poor ball progression, and an inability to manage games under pressure. Hatate’s through-ball capability and sharp distribution range could address some of these issues. His ability to split lines with key passes has been a consistent feature of his game in Glasgow. However, his attacking output dipped last season, with just two goals and two assists in the league-a significant drop from his 2024/25 peak of 10 goals and four assists.
Is Hatate the right fit for West Ham’s Championship push?
While Hatate’s talent is undeniable, questions remain about whether he is the right fit for a Championship side aiming for an immediate return to the Premier League. His sudden drop in attacking output raises concerns about his trajectory, and the step up from the Scottish Premiership to English football could prove challenging. At under €10 million, he represents good value, but West Ham may need a midfielder who can make an immediate impact rather than one who requires an adjustment period. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side scored 46 goals and conceded 65 last season, finishing 46 points behind leaders Arsenal.
