Reo Hatate has endured a tough start to life at Burnley, putting any potential bonuses Celtic are owed in doubt.

Hatate left the Hoops on deadline day of the summer transfer window. It was a departure that came as little surprise given he had previously expressed his desire to leave just months before.

The 28-year-old made the switch to Burnley, who hijacked a deal that looked certain to be finalised with Blackburn Rovers.

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Hatate was en route to complete his medical when he was notified that Burnley would be his new destination. Fortunately, the stadiums are around 15 miles apart.

It was then reported that the midfielder had signed a three-year deal worth up to £9 million.

The catch, though, is that £6.5 million would be paid up front, with a “large chunk” of the bonuses being paid to Celtic if Burnley secured promotion back to the English Premier League.

The Turf Moor side have endured a difficult start to life in the Championship. One win in 12 games led to manager Nicky Hayen being sacked.

Fabio Celestini is Hatate’s new boss, with the Swiss coach tasked with bringing sustainability to the club after a bad start.

They’re currently 22nd and are four points from safety, though there’s still a long way to go.

The new format means that finishing in the top eight would see Burnley finish in a play-off spot. That may be far-fetched based on their performances.

Hatate has a chance to impress his new manager, with the former Celtic star having started both of Celestini’s matches – draws against Portsmouth and QPR.

Achieving survival seems the new aim, but the bonuses Celtic are owed can’t be completely ruled out. Hatate’s side are 13 points off a play-off place, with former Celt Arne Engels’ West Ham currently occupying that final spot.

32 games remain, giving Hatate and Burnley the chance to claw their way back and put their poor start behind them.