Celtic face a major dilemma this summer as Daizen Maeda looks increasingly likely to leave Glasgow. The 28-year-old Japanese forward went public with his desire to move last year, and fresh reports suggest Premier League clubs are watching him closely ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Daizen Maeda looks increasingly likely to leave Celtic
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that several English top-flight sides are keeping an eye on the situation. Brown noted that Maeda has been a top performer for Celtic for a few years now. He pointed to his impressive form, including his recent Old Firm heroics, but also warned about the current gap in quality in Scottish football.
Brown explained that scouts are constantly monitoring top talent north of the border. He added that while Maeda is drawing plenty of interest, clubs have to consider the risks since he hasn’t really been tested at a higher level. Celtic are gearing up for a busy window under new management, and the money from a potential sale could go a long way in strengthening the squad.
Maeda chipped in with 12 league goals and six assists in 34 games this term, alongside solid shifts in the cups and Europe. His pace and work rate make him a constant threat, though he can still struggle with his finishing when up against elite defenders.
“Premier League clubs are well aware of Maeda. They all have scouts up in Scotland looking at their top performers, and he’s been one of the standouts for Celtic for several years now. So if he’s going to be available, there are a few who will be on alert over that, not just because of what he did against the Rangers, but before that as well.
I think they have to be on their guard a bit with signing players from Scotland at the moment, because they won’t like me saying this, but the level has dropped. It used to be that you could get some top players from over there, but recently, I’m not convinced, so I expect these Premier League sides aren’t either.
Has Maeda shown enough this season and since he’s been at Celtic to suggest he can make a difference in the Premier League? That’s up to them to decide. But a few of them will have been looking at him, and if the price is right, it could be tempting.”
How does Maeda fit into Celtic’s plans moving forward?
Fans understand why there is so much excitement around Maeda, but they also know the club need to be smart here. He brings the kind of energy and goal-scoring threat that lifts the team in big moments, but there are fair questions about how he would adapt outside of Scotland. Celtic have built their success on dynamic players like him, and losing him without a proper replacement would leave the attack looking thin at a crucial time.
Selling Maeda now would bring in vital funds for new signings, whereas keeping him for one more season risks seeing him walk away for nothing next year. The board has to balance their on-field ambitions with financial reality if they want to stay on top. Ultimately, fans just want Celtic to find a solution that keeps the team competitive in the long run.
