Daizen Maeda has been tipped to be a wanted man following a sensational season for Celtic so far…
The Japanese Dynamo has been in the form of his life this term and since his compatriot Kyogo Furuhashi left last month, he’s kicked on even more again and relished the opportunity to be Celtic’s main man in the attacking department.
Ange Postecoglou knew what he was getting in Maeda
Although never one who secured fanfare upon his arrival, Ange Postecoglou knew what he was getting in Maeda and told us all what we could expect. A hard grafter and all the will in the world, combined with a pressing ability that probably has no equal anywhere in world football at this moment in time. Since scoring against Hibernian on his debut, the forward has went from strength to strength and has developed immeasurably the last two years.
Daizen is fast-becoming a player attracting interest from top leagues
From putting our arch-rivals to be sword consistently, to scoring important goals in league games and cup goals and now, under Brendan Rodgers’ tutelage, scoring in the UEFA Champions League, Daizen is fast-becoming another player who the Hoops may struggle to hang onto. European football now knows we develop players the right way and instil a winners mentality into them in the process which means they will be highly coveted, particularly south of the border.
It’s always a question of who the next big export will be and following Matt O’Riley’s sale to Brighton, Hugh MacDonald reckons Maeda’s unassuming personality could be the next plane out of Glasgow.
Speaking about the striker on PLZ Soccer, he said: “I was looking at his age this morning. And he’s only turned 27. So there is a move in him. He’s never been mentioned by me as being in this departure lounge at Celtic. You know Alistair Johnston, Hatate…”
He continued: “It’s like air-traffic control bringing aircraft in to land. You know, you say ‘Hatate will be next, could Celtic keep Kühn for another season.’ You know, he now comes into that argument. People will be looking at that.”
There is no getting away from the fact that with exposure on the grandest stage of them all in the Champions League, it brings more eyes onto Celtic players than there otherwise would have been. It’s a Catch-22 with being a Celtic supporter: you want the team to do well and have great players, but the better they become, we have to accept wealthier teams will make offers for them.
If Daizen Maeda keeps on going the way he’s been going, it’s when and not if others come calling. But as it stands, he’s a Celtic player and we should enjoy him whilst he’s here and in this form!
🗣️’There’s a move in him… he’s never been mentioned as being in the departure lounge at Celtic’
Daizen Maeda tipped to attract transfer interest from top level clubs after levelling up at Celtic this season 🤔
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— PLZ Soccer (@PLZSoccer) February 13, 2025
Paul Gillespie
Maeda has proven to be the best of the 3 Japanese for his all round contribution to the cause.
Kyogo and Hatate flair players but when the going is tough Maeda perseveres.
Hail Hail