🍀 Daizen Maeda Wants to Leave Celtic: What Comes Next?
In what many fans will view as a hammer blow to the club’s long-term planning, 67 Hail Hail has revealed that Daizen Maeda has informed Celtic of his desire to leave, setting his sights firmly on a move to England. While no deal was struck over the summer transfer window, the expectation now is that Maeda’s time in Glasgow is approaching its natural conclusion, potentially as early as January 2026.
Maeda’s wish to depart — coming from a player so often hailed for his professionalism, commitment, and work ethic — speaks volumes about the shifting dynamics both within the Celtic squad and Maeda’s own personal ambitions. For a player who has given so much of himself physically and emotionally since arriving in January 2022, this is a turning point — not just for his career, but for Celtic’s long-term squad evolution under Brendan Rodgers.
Let’s break down the situation in full.
⚽ Who is Daizen Maeda to Celtic?
To understand the impact of this news, we need to first appreciate what Daizen Maeda represents to Celtic supporters and to the team.
Signed initially on loan from Yokohama F. Marinos before making the move permanent in summer 2022, Maeda was one of Ange Postecoglou’s trusted imports from the J-League — alongside Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, and Yuki Kobayashi. More than just a cog in the system, Maeda became symbolic of the kind of football Celtic were aiming to play under Postecoglou: high tempo, high pressing, quick transitions, and relentless effort.
Maeda’s most notable attributes include:
Elite stamina and pressing ability – Often described as “a machine” due to his unmatched work rate.
Tactical versatility – Capable of playing across the front three, and even in more defensive wide roles.
Off-the-ball movement – Creates space for others even when he isn’t scoring.
Team-first mentality – Willing to do the dirty work others won’t.
However, his lack of consistent end product, particularly in terms of goals and assists, has always been a caveat. Despite his tireless performances, Maeda’s goal return has been underwhelming for a forward — and in the current campaign, that issue has become more pronounced.
📉 A Dip in Form or a Systemic Issue?
As of October 2025, Maeda has only managed three goals in all competitions this season. For a player often deployed in advanced roles, that’s simply not good enough — especially when Celtic are competing on multiple fronts, including Europe, domestic titles, and cup competitions.
This form isn’t necessarily due to a lack of effort or application. The issue may lie more with Brendan Rodgers’ system, which differs significantly from the high-octane style of Ange Postecoglou. Under Rodgers:
There’s more emphasis on controlled possession and positional discipline.
The press is less intense and more structured.
Wide players are expected to contribute more in tight spaces and in creative build-up phases.
In this more refined system, Maeda’s strengths become less valuable, and his weaknesses — notably his inconsistent first touch and limited creativity — become more exposed. His explosive pace is less effective when there are fewer transitions to exploit.
This mismatch may be one of the key reasons behind his desire to move. As he enters the peak of his career at 27, Maeda may feel he needs to join a club where his natural style will be better utilized — and the English Premier League, with its intense pace and transition-based teams, seems to be the obvious choice.
🏁 Contract Situation and Transfer Timing
Maeda is under contract until summer 2027, meaning Celtic are not under immediate financial pressure to sell. However, as 67 Hail Hail and Graeme Bailey point out, time is of the essence.
If Maeda is not sold in January 2026, he will be entering the final 18 months of his contract by summer — a crucial window in modern football where a player’s value begins to drop significantly. By January 2027, he could sign a pre-contract with foreign clubs and leave for free the following summer.
This leaves Celtic with a very clear decision to make:
Sell in January 2026 and maximize return.
Or hold on until summer 2026, but risk a lower fee or losing him for free the following year.
Given Celtic’s financially responsible model — and their history of selling players at the right moment (e.g. Jota, Frimpong, Edouard, Ajer) — it seems almost inevitable that Maeda will be sold within the next two transfer windows.
🔥 Premier League Interest: Who Could Sign Maeda?
Maeda’s preferred destination is England, and several Premier League and Championship clubs have already been linked.
✅ Brentford
Had strong interest in the summer.
Their tactical setup under Thomas Frank suits Maeda’s profile perfectly.
Known for smart recruitment — Maeda would be an ideal fit for their high-pressing, counter-attacking style.
⚒️ West Ham United
Could use a player with Maeda’s work rate and flexibility.
David Moyes likes players who can dig deep and run for 90 minutes.
European football (if maintained) could be a strong draw.
🟡 Leeds United
While currently in the Championship, Leeds remains a massive club with EPL ambitions.
Their history of signing Japanese players (e.g., Yoshinori Muto rumors in the past) and strong fanbase could appeal to Maeda.
Maeda could be a promotion catalyst.
🔴 Burnley or Sunderland
Burnley: If they avoid relegation, they’ll be looking to rebuild with proven energy and work rate.
Sunderland: Ambitious, well-run club, and Maeda could lead the line if they earn promotion.
Other Possibilities:
Brighton – Known for J-League scouting; system would suit Maeda.
Fulham or Crystal Palace – Mid-table teams that often require wide options with pace.
💷 Potential Transfer Fee?
Maeda’s market value depends on several factors:
His contract length.
His international profile (Japan international).
His Champions League experience.
His statistical output.
At present, a January fee between £6–8 million seems realistic. If his form improves and interest intensifies, Celtic might hold out for £10 million — but any delay beyond summer 2026 would cut that value drastically.
🧠 What Does This Mean for Celtic?
Maeda leaving opens up a number of short-term challenges and long-term opportunities.
⚠️ The Challenges:
Replacing his pressing and defensive contribution will be difficult.
Losing him mid-season could disrupt title momentum.
Fans may react negatively to losing yet another J-League star, especially if no immediate replacement is lined up.
🌱 The Opportunities:
A chance to rebuild the front three with more technical or creative output.
Freeing up wages and a squad spot for a younger, emerging talent.
Reinforcing Brendan Rodgers’ vision with players tailored to his tactical style.
🧩 Who Could Replace Him?
Celtic will need a replacement who can:
Stretch the pitch with pace.
Score goals regularly.
Press and track back when needed.
Internal Options:
Yang Hyun-jun – Still adapting, but could step up with time.
Luis Palma – Offers more creativity and set-piece threat.
Mikey Johnston – Flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency.
External Targets:
Wilfried Gnonto (Leeds) – Pricey, but fits the style and offers long-term value.
Fabio Carvalho (Liverpool/Loan) – May be available again, brings technical quality.
Japanese prospects – Celtic may return to the J-League for another emerging winger.
They could also look to South America, where players like Luciano Rodríguez (Uruguay) or Matías Arezo (Uruguay) are gathering European interest and could be long-term solutions.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Daizen Maeda’s time at Celtic is not yet over, but the end is now clearly in sight. After years of selfless service, relentless running, and unwavering dedication, he seems ready to take on a new challenge — one that offers him the tactical fit, financial reward, and career growth he seeks in England.
For Celtic, the mission now is clear: manage the exit on their own terms, ensure value is recouped, and most importantly, make sure that the next player to don the No. 38 shirt (or whatever number comes next) can bring not just effort, but end product.
Because if there’s one lesson to take from Maeda’s time in Glasgow, it’s this:
Energy will get you far. But goals win titles.