Celtic Star Linked with Rangers After Alleged Wage Dispute with Brendan Rodgers
In a dramatic turn of events, Celtic’s star midfielder Reo Hatate has reportedly threatened to leave the club for arch-rivals Rangers unless his wage demands are met. The Japanese international is said to have asked for a significant increase in his weekly wages, reportedly demanding £200,000 per week. This comes after an intense argument with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers over the player’s financial terms.
Sources close to the club suggest that Hatate and Rodgers had a heated exchange earlier this week, with the midfielder expressing his frustration over his current contract. Despite being one of Celtic’s standout players since joining from Kawasaki Frontale in 2021, Hatate reportedly feels underappreciated in terms of compensation, especially given his importance to the team.
The 25-year-old, who has been instrumental in Celtic’s recent successes, is said to have made it clear that if his wage demands are not met, he would be willing to make a controversial move across Glasgow to Rangers, where he believes he could secure a more lucrative deal. The possibility of such a transfer would undoubtedly send shockwaves through Scottish football, with the rivalry between Celtic and Rangers one of the fiercest in the sport.
Rangers Manager Seen with Hatate: What Does This Mean?
Adding fuel to the fire, Hatate was recently spotted with Rangers manager Michael Beale in a private meeting, sparking rumors that the Japanese star may be open to a move to Ibrox. While neither party has officially commented on the meeting, the sight of the two together has raised suspicions that a potential transfer could be on the cards.
Beale, who has been working hard to strengthen his Rangers squad, would be keen to secure a player of Hatate’s caliber. The midfielder’s ability to control the game and his knack for scoring crucial goals would undoubtedly add a new dimension to Rangers’ midfield, making the rumored transfer a potential game-changer in the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic’s Response
Celtic, for their part, are said to be shocked by Hatate’s stance. The club has worked hard to nurture the player, and his performances have been key to Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football over the past few years. However, with financial stability being a priority for the club, it’s unclear whether they would be willing to meet Hatate’s wage demands.
Brendan Rodgers, who returned to the helm at Celtic Park last summer, has had to manage a squad filled with big egos and even bigger expectations. This latest development will undoubtedly add pressure on the Northern Irish manager to navigate a difficult situation, balancing player demands with the club’s long-term strategy.
The Bigger Picture
The situation raises larger questions about the financial landscape in Scottish football. While Celtic and Rangers remain the two dominant forces in the country, both clubs are facing increasing pressure to offer competitive wages in order to keep their top talents from being poached by clubs from more lucrative leagues.
Hatate’s demand of £200,000 a week is a striking figure in the context of Scottish football, where wage bills are considerably lower compared to the Premier League or other European leagues. His stance may signal a shift in how players view the financial viability of staying in Scotland, and it could be an indication that the wages of top players in the Scottish Premiership are set to rise.
A Potential Move?
At this point, it’s unclear whether Hatate’s wage demands will lead to a move to Rangers or whether Celtic will meet his terms. However, one thing is for certain—this is a developing story that will capture the attention of fans and pundits alike in the coming weeks. If Hatate does make the unexpected move to Ibrox, it would mark one of the most controversial transfers in Scottish football history, further intensifying the fierce rivalry between Celtic and Rangers.
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