Leicester City are looking to bring a midfielder to the King Power Stadium this summer.
Leicester City are continuing their pursuit to find a replacement for former star midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall after his move to Premier League giants Chelsea alongside former Foxes boss Enzo Maresca.
Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley was tipped to join after Leicester City were initially leading the race to sign the Danish international, however Atalanta have swooped in as a likely candidate, despite their third bid getting rejected by the Scottish side.
Callum O’Hare was also initially targeted as a suitable, yet cheaper, candidate to bring to the King Power following his release from Coventry City, however he has now moved to Championship side Sheffield United.
Steve Cooper has identified another target that he is keen on bringing to Leicester City, with ‘big-money’ reportedly involved to secure the signing of the midfielder with Champions League experience.
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Leicester City eye up move for Reo Hatate from Celtic
Leicester City are reportedly set to make a ‘big-money offer’ for Celtic star Reo Hatate as a Dewsbury-Hall replacement this summer, per The Daily Mail.
Cooper has made it clear that he needs reinforcements, as he said: “Something needs to happen.
“We need players in as quickly as possible. We’re trusting each other to get the right ones in, and hopefully sooner rather than later.”
The Japanese international midfielder had a 2023/24 campaign plagued with injuries, however still played a significant part in Celtic’s season, winning 15 out of the 16 games that he featured in.
Will Reo Hatate provide the attacking output that Leicester City need in midfield
It’s clear that Cooper is targeting a creative and attacking midfielder ahead of the new campaign, something that Hatate could provide for Leicester City.
When available, the 26-year-old made a significant impact for Celtic in the league, getting seven goal contributions in 16 appearances.
Despite being described by Brendan Rodgers as a ‘big talent’, the former Leicester City manager expressed concerns over Hatate’s performance after an Old Firm clash with Rangers.
Rodgers said, per Football Scotland, that Hatate ‘gives it [the ball] away too much for my liking’.
Although the Japanese midfielder has shown glimpses of class throughout his time at Celtic, there is a huge risk on gambling on a player with injury troubles like Hatate’s, and the lack of recent game time could easily affect his ability to adapt to Premier League football.
Hatate could provide a significant impact for Leicester City, however the Foxes will be aware that better options are out there, including fellow Celtic midfielder O’Riley.