Daizen Maeda admits he is uncertain about his long-term future at Celtic. The Celtic striker has returned to training with Japan easing any injury concerns after his bruising encounter in the Glasgow Derby…
The Japanese forward scored an impressive header during his side’s unfortunate 3-2 defeat to theRangers on Sunday afternoon at Celtic Park. Daizen Maeda out-jumped James Tavernier at the back post to meet Jota’s pinpoint cross, offering Brendan Rodgers’ side respite after a dismal first half showing, but the Hoops were unable to capitalise on it.
Maeda has scored 28 goals this season
The 27-year-old has had his best season of his professional career so far, scoring 28 goals and providing eight assists in 42 appearances across all competitions for the Scottish Champions, who are currently 13 points clear at the top of the league, looking down on theRangers.
Maeda has attracted transfer speculation
As is common for footballers who perform at a high level consistently, Maeda has attracted transfer speculation, and he was recently asked about his future at Celtic. He was questioned by Sky Sports: “You seem so settled, so for you, when you see other players leave, for you, is it Celtic for the long term?”
Daizen Maeda responded: “Well, I am not sure. That’s a difficult question. While I am here, I always want to fight and play for Celtic. I want to keep focusing and playing for the team.”
The forward signed for Celtic at the start of 2022 from Yokohama Marinos during Ange Postecoglou’s tenure as manager. Maeda has always been known for his exceptional work rate, pressing, and pace, but this season under Brendan Rodgers, he has taken his game to another level, delivering more goals, assists, and outstanding performances.
His recent remarks have raised questions about his future at Celtic for the longer-term. It was just a few months ago, Maeda’s compatriot, Kyogo Furuhashi, made a surprising move from Glasgow’s east end to Rennes. Maybe Kyogo’s post-Celtic blues at Rennes will make an impression on Daizen who will perhaps have a better understanding of what he has got at Celtic and that the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere.
For Michael Nicholson surely the number one priority at the moment is to look at getting Daizen on a new, improved and extended contract at Celtic?
Meanwhile concerns over Daizen Maeda’s fitness have been eased as the Celtic striker returned to training with the Japan squad ahead of their two World Cup qualifiers.
🍀Maeda returns to 🇯🇵team training. https://t.co/m9LcBE1wnx pic.twitter.com/HzbUi55YNg
— 🍀🇯🇵Naru📽️Japanese Bhoy Studios🎨 (@CelticStudio_JP) March 19, 2025
Conor Spence
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Only my opinion but i think Maeda will return to japan to have his kids raised there , family is and allways has been more important than football and everone can see how close his bond with his kids is , so when they reach a certain age he will make the move home , just when that is -is the question, one more season even two maybe ???