Celtic Block Summer Exit For The Wantaway Hitman: Why They Must Fix Things In Winter | OneFootball

After a dreadful summer window, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers had no choice but to snap up underperforming Kelechi Iheanacho on a Bosman to restore parity high up the pitch. The club sanctioned Adam Idah’s transfer to Swansea City without bringing in a replacement for the Irishman. But they kept hold of Daizen Maeda, even though the Japanese hitman demanded a fresh challenge amid an offer from abroad.

Revealed the 27-year-old told, as reported by the Japanese media. While he has promised to maintain his professionalism, the board, facing fans’ fury for the transfer window chaos, would have a decision to make in the winter on ethical grounds.

Celtic lost Kyogo Furuhashi in January, but never roped in a like-for-like replacement up top. Summer recruit Shin Yamada is only good enough for a bit-part role, and so is Johnny Kenny, thus leaving them with Maeda as the only regular option to spearhead the attack.

How Celtic Have Messed It Up Over The Past Two Windows

The Bhoys instead brought back Jota following Furuhashi’s exit, but the Portuguese wideman, currently sidelined with a long-term knee injury, holds a different profile. Maeda was shifted centrally to replace his fellow compatriot, allowing Jota to slot in down the left. The Samurai Blue international netted 33 times in 51 appearances, as he showcased his poaching traits as a ‘number 9’ for the first time since joining the Glasgow giants.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 31: Daizen Maeda of Celtic is challenged by Nasser Djiga of Rangers during the Premier League match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the Bhoys suffered a further blow when Nicolas Kuhn completed a mega-money move to Como. The management wasted days replacing the right winger before bringing in Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Tounekti close to the deadline. The damage was already done as they suffered a shocking exit from the Champions League playoffs against the lower-ranked Kairat Almaty.

Why They Must Not Repeat The Same Mistake As They Did For Furuhashi and Idah

Celtic were chasing Kasper Dolberg, but ended up with Iheanacho following the Dane’s decision to return to Ajax, having rejected a Parkhead transfer. While the Nigerian might challenge and cover Maeda for now, the latter’s slow start so far this season remains another concern.

Rodgers would hope him and Iheanacho to hit the ground running immediately after the international break; however, the board must start their groundwork to find Maeda’s successor, as they can’t rely on the former Manchester City and Leicester City forward if clubs come calling for the Japanese ace in due time.