Andy Halliday’s recent comments about Reo Hatate might just be one of the most important pieces of outside perspective Celtic fans have heard this season. It’s often said that sometimes it takes someone on the outside looking in to see what’s really going on — and that’s exactly what Halliday has done. The Motherwell midfielder, speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, made a compelling argument that Celtic fans are in danger of undervaluing a truly special talent. His line — “You won’t realise what you had until he’s gone” — has stuck with a lot of people, and it should, because it reflects a truth that’s becoming harder to ignore with every passing week.

Reo Hatate has always divided opinion in the Celtic fanbase. For every supporter who waxes lyrical about his flair, technical ability, and big-game mentality, there’s another who questions his consistency or impact across an entire season. But perhaps the problem isn’t with Hatate’s ability — perhaps the issue lies in perception.

Let’s take a step back and really assess what kind of player Celtic have in Reo Hatate.

Since arriving from Kawasaki Frontale in early 2022, Hatate has become one of the most technically gifted midfielders to grace Scottish football in the past decade. He hit the ground running with standout performances, most notably his explosive display against Rangers in that unforgettable 3-0 win at Celtic Park — scoring once, assisting once, and dominating the midfield battle. That night was a glimpse of what Hatate can be at his best: intelligent, sharp, and completely in control. His ability to carry the ball forward, play line-breaking passes, and link play between defence and attack is unmatched at Celtic when he’s in full flow.

His recent performance against St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup semi-final was another such reminder. Hatate registered three assists and was heavily involved in nearly every meaningful Celtic attack. The variety in his assists — one through vision, another through clever positioning, and the last from perfect execution — showcased the full range of his game. It was a display of complete midfield mastery, and Halliday wasn’t wrong in calling him the best midfielder in the country on current form.

And yet… just a few weeks prior, in the league fixture against the same opposition, Hatate looked out of sorts. Quiet, almost passive. That contrast is what fuels the criticism. Some fans argue that he drifts in and out of games, that his energy levels don’t always match the demands of the Scottish game, or that he doesn’t consistently dominate matches. But this is where the nuance comes in — because Hatate isn’t a workhorse box-to-box midfielder. He’s not Callum McGregor. He’s a rhythm player, someone who thrives when the game flows through him. When he finds his rhythm, he dances through defences. When the rhythm is off — due to injury, tactics, or even the tempo of the game — he can look a step behind. That doesn’t mean he isn’t valuable. Quite the opposite — it means Celtic should be building a midfield that gets the best out of him.

This summer, yet again, speculation is swirling around Hatate’s future. Every window, it’s the same story: will he go? Is the time right? Will Celtic cash in? There’s certainly interest — he’s been watched by clubs in Germany, England, and even Serie A. His profile suits the continental game. He’s quick-thinking, composed in tight spaces, and intelligent in his movement. If Celtic were to sell, they’d likely command a decent fee — he’s 27, in his prime, and has Champions League experience. It would make financial sense.

But then comes the bigger question: what’s the cost of losing a player like that — not in terms of money, but in terms of quality?

Celtic are in a relatively strong position in midfield. Callum McGregor is the heartbeat, the captain. Paulo Bernardo has started to step up in O’Riley’s absence, and there’s depth in the form of Odin Thiago Holm, David Turnbull, and even the returning Kwon Hyeok-kyu. But do any of them have the same combination of technique, vision, and final-third impact that Hatate brings? Not really. Hatate has that rare blend of flair and end product. He doesn’t just create pretty moments — he creates goals. Three assists in a semi-final isn’t just a “good” day at the office. It’s game-winning influence.

And when players like that leave, they don’t get replaced easily. We’ve seen it before. Victor Wanyama was written off by some as a physical player with limited technical ability — he went to Southampton and then Tottenham, dominating Premier League midfields. Virgil van Dijk was questioned for “coasting” through games — now he’s a Champions League and Premier League-winning captain at Liverpool. Even Jota, who didn’t always get consistent praise during his time at Celtic, is now worth tens of millions more and continues to generate transfer interest abroad. That’s the pattern: we see these players every week, get used to their brilliance, and take it for granted — until they’re gone.

That’s what Halliday is warning about. Hatate might be taken for granted right now, but if he moves on and begins to thrive elsewhere — in the Bundesliga or Serie A — Celtic fans will find themselves wondering how the club let such a talent go.

Of course, Brendan Rodgers has a big decision to make. He’s already spoken of wanting to revamp the squad this summer. New blood will come in, and that means some will leave. The midfield is well-stocked, so it’s easy to imagine someone being sacrificed. But if Celtic want to continue progressing in Europe, and not just dominate domestically, they need players like Hatate. Players who can hold their own against the best, who aren’t overawed by the pace and pressure of Champions League nights. Hatate, on his day, is exactly that.

In an ideal world, Celtic give him the platform and system he needs to be consistent. They surround him with players who suit his style. They give him the freedom to play, create, and influence. Because players like him — creative, brave, technically superb midfielders — are not easy to find. Letting him go now would be a massive gamble.

So to sum it up: Hatate is a gem, and Andy Halliday’s warning might one day be looked back on as prophetic. The challenge for Celtic fans — and the club — is to recognise what they have before it’s gone.

What do you reckon — if an £8–10 million bid comes in for Hatate this summer, should Celtic take it? Or would it be a huge mistake?