Reo Hatate Scores First Burnley Goal After Celtic Exit

Reo Hatate has scored his first Burnley goal following his summer departure from Celtic. The Japanese international opened his account during Saturday’s Championship encounter with Watford at Vicarage Road, adding to an impressive attacking performance from the visitors.

Hatate found the net after 25 minutes, extending Burnley’s advantage to three goals following earlier strikes from Jacob Bruun Larsen and Zeki Amdouni.

The former Celtic midfielder had already contributed to the opening goal, providing the assist for Bruun Larsen after just 13 minutes.

His contribution represented a significant improvement following a difficult introduction to English football.

Hatate completed his transfer to Burnley on deadline day in September, ending a successful four-and-a-half-year spell in Glasgow.

The 28-year-old signed a three-year contract at Turf Moor, with Celtic reportedly receiving a fee in the region of £6.5million.

However, opportunities have been limited since his arrival, with the midfielder managing just 144 minutes across his opening four Championship appearances. Burnley have also endured a disappointing start to the campaign, entering Saturday’s encounter without a league victory in their opening eight fixtures.

Hatate’s performance against Watford therefore provided a welcome contribution as the Lancashire club attempt to improve their position in the Championship.

The midfielder departed Celtic having established himself as an important figure throughout one of the club’s most successful recent periods.

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8th March 2026; Ibrox Scottish Cup, Rangers versus Celtic; Reo Hatate of Celtic reacts after scoring his penalty during the shootout. Photo Vagelis Georgariou.

Signed from Kawasaki Frontale in January 2022, Hatate made an immediate impact under Ange Postecoglou. His two goals against Rangers during Celtic’s 3-0 victory in February 2022 remain among his most memorable contribution.

Hatate subsequently played an influential role in Celtic’s domestic success, although injuries and questions regarding his attitude disrupted his consistency during the latter stages of his Parkhead career.

His move to Burnley offered an opportunity to establish himself in English football after more than four seasons in Scotland. It was clear that Hatate wanted to test himself in another environment and the challenge of bouncing back to the Premier League was too good to pass up.

Saturday’s goal and assist represented his most productive attacking contribution since leaving Celtic.