Brendan Rodgers on Daizen Maeda’s well deserved new deal | OneFootball

Brendan Rodgers is eager to secure Daizen Maeda on a fresh, lucrative contract with Celtic, and negotiations are already in progress to finalise the agreement…

Daizen Maeda has been outstanding for the Hoops this season, finding the net on 28 occasions across all competitions.

He has emerged as a pivotal figure in Celtic’s attack, excelling both on the left wing and when leading the line as a central forward since the departure of his compatriot, Kyogo Furuhashi.

“Hopefully in the future that is something that can be done”

Rodgers is now looking to recognise the Japanese international’s contributions with a fresh contract offer. Speaking in his media conference yesterday afternoon, the Celtic manager said: “Absolutely, if there is that possibility to do that. I’ve spoken with Dermot [Desmond] and the club and spoken with the player. Hopefully in the future that is something that can be done.”

Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“He’s been absolutely brilliant for us this season”

“He’s been absolutely brilliant for us this season. Wherever he’s played, however he’s played, he’s had an amazing season. So of course, you would love to tie up one of your best players.”

When questioned about whether Maeda has shown any willingness to commit to a new contract, Rodgers responded: “He doesn’t give away much. Other than saying he’s very happy. I look and see how he plays. But listen, I’m also under no illusions here. There are very few players that are going to do what Callum McGregor does, some of these players have a lifetime here, like James Forrest.”

Daizen Maeda of Celtic is seen during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Quarter-Final match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park on March 09, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“Some players, especially these players that are from other parts of the world, they might fancy a change. It’s nothing to do with Celtic or the club or the support, it’s just life. But all I can do is judge when he’s here.”

‘He’s been brilliant here. He’s still contracted well here to the club’

“He’s been brilliant here. He’s still contracted well here to the club. But of course, there has been chats around improving that for him because he’s grown into one of the top players here. He earns every penny. We feel as a club he deserves more. So, we want to do that. But of course, it has to work both ways.”

Daizen Maeda celebrates. St Mirren v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Saturday 1st March 2025. Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Maeda’s current deal, signed in the summer of 2023 following Rodgers’ return to the club, runs until 2027. With the transfer window approaching, it would be a real coup if Celtic were to agree new terms with their star man.

Conor Spence

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