Celtic confirmed this afternoon that Japanese forward Daizen Maeda has signed a new contract at the club that will keep him at the Hoops until June 2027. Daizen, who starred for Japan at the World Cup in Qatar last winter joined Celtic from Yokohama F Marinos arriving at the club at the start of January 2022. He made his debut against Hibs in the first match after the winter break, scoring his debut goal for the club inside the first five minutes.
Perhaps the moment of the season for Daizen last year was his assist for the only goal of the match in the Scottish Cup semi-final win over theRangers at Hampden at the end of April. Everyone stopped when it looked like Matt O’Riley had been fouled at the edge of theRangers penalty area – everyone except Daizen who never stops – and while others waited for a whistle that never came, Maeda collected the ball and put it on a plate for Jota to win the match for Celtic and set up the Treble.
"IT'S JOTA!" 🍀@CelticFC catch Rangers sleeping and they strike first in the #ScottishCup semi-final 👀#TheRaceTo8 pic.twitter.com/qLBp5YBAQ5
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) April 30, 2023
Daizen has played 81 times for Celtic, most recently in the Scottish Cup final win over Inverness Caley Thistle on 3rd June. He has scored 19 goals for Celtic, with perhaps the one at Easter Road against Hibs last season being the stand-out.
This goal is so underrated 🤌🏻pic.twitter.com/UCBSB8afVY
— 𝕆𝕕𝕚𝕟 (@OdinBhoy) July 6, 2023
Speaking to the official Celtic FC website, a delighted Daizen had this to say about his new deal at Celtic. “It is a very happy moment for me and my family. Since we moved from Japan, everyone at the club and, of course, the supporters have been amazing and we are enjoying our life in Scotland.
“Celtic is a special club so I’m very pleased to extend my stay here. When I signed I said that my ultimate goal was to win the league and we have done so, twice.
“Becoming a Treble winner last season has been one of the highlights of my career but we must now prepare for next season. Our aim will remain the same, to work hard together with the manager to bring success to the club and our supporters.
“We have three trophies to defend, and we also have Champions League football, so I am excited to get started.”
Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers was also delighted at Daizen agreeing to extend his stay at the club. “Daizen has many qualities that I like in a player – high intensity, attack-minded and his work rate on and off the ball is exceptional.
“He has played a key role in the team since he arrived, helping to secure yet another Treble for the club so I am delighted we have been able to secure a new deal with him.
“Daizen’s attributes make him a really exciting player and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Daizen is the second Japan international to commit his long-term future to Celtic this week, after Kyogo’s new contract was announced earlier in the week. Hopefully the next to announce a new long term deal will be Reo Hatate.
⚡ #DAIZEN2027 ⚡
We are very happy to announce that our Treble-Winning winger, Daizen Maeda has signed a new four-year deal with the Club! 🇯🇵💚#CelticFC🍀@M_daizen_1020
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 6, 2023
