Burnley’s contract to buy Reo Hatate from Celtic may be worth £9 million if they earn promotion to the Premier League this season.

Following their relegation to the Championship, the Clarets’ summer window was always going to be frantic, and their plight was exacerbated by the lengthy process of finding Scott Parker’s permanent successor.

Nicky Hayen was eventually appointed as head coach, and he has had to supervise significant changes to the team in recent months, with Burnley entering into the last day of the transfer market knowing that incomings and outgoings were on the agenda.

Burnley could pay Celtic as much as £9 million for Reo Hatate.

Burnley had expected to be in the market for a new number nine after Zian Flemming left for Ipswich, and while there is disappointment that a deal for a new number nine did not materialise, they did sign Hatate.

The Japanese international had a tremendously successful four-and-a-half year tenure in Glasgow after joining from Kawasaki Frontale under Ange Postecoglou, and the 28-year-old was arguably the best player in Scotland during his first few years there.

Hatate’s previous two seasons had been challenging, and with the midfielder falling down the pecking order under Martin O’Neill, a summer move was always a possibility, and he did secure a move to Turf Moor, albeit late in the window.

Burnley initially paid £6.5 million for the player, and according to Sky Sports writer Anthony Joseph, the sum might potentially rise to £9 million.

He claims that a ‘significant percentage’ of the £2.5 million in add-ons will be paid if the Clarets achieve promotion this season, which is clearly Hatate’s goal for his new team.

Reo Hatate may be a significant character for Burnley this season.

This is a reasonable investment for Burnley, but Hatate has the potential to be a key player for Hayen this season, and while they appear to be lacking at least one striker, the midfield was another area that needed to be addressed.

The 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough on Wednesday night, with the manager making a change at halftime, demonstrated that he was dissatisfied with the balance in the centre of the park.

And it has been a continuing issue since the season began, so Hatate should help to address it. If he can regain his form, he has the potential to be a real top performer in the Championship, since he is superb at pressing and getting over the pitch, while also contributing in the final third.

Reo Hatate’s Celtic Record (Transfermarkt)

Games

191

Goals

33

Assists: 31

So, a fresh start could be just what Hatate needs to reclaim his peak form, and he should come to Burnley with something to prove.

Hatate’s agreement with Celtic makes him an important signing for the club this summer, but everyone involved will be hoping that the add-ons are activated later this year, as that would mean he has done his part in helping Burnley return to the Premier League.