Big contract moves on the way from Celtic

Celtic will open contract talks with two of the club’s most important and exciting players in Reo Hatate and Liel Abada before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Daily Record reports that the Celtic board are keen to tie them down, offer them improved terms and extend the length of their current deals.

Any contract extensions would be similar to the moves to secure the futures of Kyogo Furuhashi and Callum McGregor earlier in the summer – two crowd-pleasing events that could be crucial for the short and long-term ambitions of the club.

Both Abada and Hatate have been the subject of transfer interest over the last 12 months.

Abada actually looked destined for an exit following reports of turning down previous offers from the Bhoys, but now seems delighted and reinvigorated by the arrival of Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers even said last month that Abada is keen to stay at Celtic and improve under his watch, following a sit-down meeting upon the Irishman’s return to the Bhoys.

That comes after reported transfer interest from clubs around Europe, including France and Germany.

Hatate meanwhile hasn’t actually started either of the competitive matches under Rodgers so far, but was impressive off the bench against Aberdeen at Pittodrie before exiting with a calf injury that could keep him out for a month.

Rumours about his future have been rife with reports of interest from the Saudi Pro League and the English Premier League. Settling all that with a new contract would allow him to kick on and focus on a bright Celtic future.

In the end, the work that Celtic have done with the existing stars within the squad could be just as important as all the transfer efforts underway to bring in new talents this summer. Let’s hope we hear announcements on this pair soon.