Daizen Maeda confirms he wanted Celtic exit this summer | OneFootball

Daizen Maeda has revealed he had an offer to leave Celtic this summer, only for the club’s failure to secure reinforcements to block the move…

Daizen Maeda of Celtic arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on August 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Speaking to Gekisaka whilst on international duty, and explaining his late arrival, the Japanese forward admitted he had consistently communicated his desire to take the next step in his career, but Celtic insisted he remain.

“I had an offer and had consistently communicated to my club that I wanted to take the next step in my career,” Maeda said.“However, Celtic ultimately couldn’t secure the necessary reinforcements and told me they couldn’t let me go.”

Daizen Maeda of Celtic reacts to missing an opportunity Kairat Almaty v Celtic, UEFA Champions League, Play-Off Round, Second Leg, Football, Almaty Central Stadium, Almaty, Kazakhstan – 26 Aug just 2025Almaty Almaty Central Stadium Kazakhstan Photo Nikita Bassov/Shutterstock

The winger confirmed he had reached an understanding with the club to move on, but the collapse of Celtic’s transfer dealings ensured he would stay.<

To his credit, Maeda has pledged to give 100% for the team despite his disappointment: “Since I’ve decided to stay at Celtic, I want to give my all for the team.”

Here is the translation from the Japanese publication –

“I was late in joining the national team and talked to Celtic until the last day, but that didn’t happen. I had an offer and I kept telling the club that I wanted to go to the next step, but Celtic couldn’t reinforce it well, so I was finally told that I couldn’t put it out,” he said.

Daizen Maeda theRangers v Celtic, 31 August 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

On top of that, Maeda also announced that he had reached a personal agreement, saying,   “There was a part that I had agreed on as an individual, so I wanted to take on the challenge.”

While it has been decided to play in the UEFA Europa League this season due to being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League (European CL) playoffs, he said,  “I want to do my best with the team because it has been decided to stay at Celtic.”<

In the month since the start of the season, Maeda said,  “I have been talking to the club since before the end of the previous season, and I have been telling them that I want to go to the next step, but there were league matches and we lost the CL qualifiers, so there were difficult parts.  It will be a representative activity that will require a switch.’

Daizen Maeda of Celtic is challenged by Nasser Djiga of theRangers during the Premier League match between thrRangers and Celtic at Ibrox on August 31, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

For some supporters, his decision to remain will be a relief. With Nicholas Kuhn sold to Como and Jota sidelined long-term, Maeda is one of the few attackers with the capacity to turn matches in Celtic’s favour, a talismanic figure.

Yet, the story of his blocked exit underlines a bigger problem – the club’s flawed transfer model.

Much has been made in certain quarters of Celtic’s so-called ‘player trading model’ but reality exposes it as little more than a myth. Proper succession planning means selling players at peak value while already having ready-made replacements. It means a productive academy pipeline and a carefully balanced age profile. It means “trading up” — replacing those sold with younger players who can be developed further.

Celtic are failing across the board. Key players like Cameron Carter-Vickers, Reo Hatate and now Maeda remain without clear succession plans. The academy has not produced a first-team regular since Kieran Tierney, while representation at Scotland youth levels is minimal.

Meanwhile, the squad is bloated with players who carry little resale value, while others like Stephen Welsh, Anthony Ralston and James Forrest stayed beyond their market peaks simply to satisfy UEFA homegrown quotas.

Daizen Maeda poses with his Scottish Premiership winners medal after the season s final league match against St. Mirren on May 17, 2025. Photo IMAGO

This summer has damaged Celtic’s reputation further. The collapse of Yang’s proposed move to Birmingham City was embarrassing. Other clubs, including Go Ahead Eagles, Hammarby, Plymouth Argyle, Rapid Vienna and Swansea City, have mocked Celtic or will be reluctant to deal with us again. Networking and relationships are fundamental to modern recruitment – Celtic’s approach is instead seen as arrogant, aloof, and outdated.

The result is a club seen less as a smart operator, more as a difficult partner. That perception does long-term damage to Celtic’s ability to recruit effectively. We sell the club as a stepping stone to big league markets, but we’re now failing to facilitate what we’ve promised.

Reports of unrest emerged recently, you would have hoped this was rumour and conjecture and may well be. It seems however, Players respect the manager, yet the lack of urgency in recruitment and contract renewals is causing frustration.

Yang at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Yang is likely already unsettled, after the Birmingham City debacle, and now Maeda joins the list of those denied a desired move. The only saving grace is Maeda’s professionalism and his focus on staying in top form for the World Cup, but the pattern is pretty clear – Celtic’s internal handling of football operations is eroding trust.

The answer is simple, yet continues to be ignored. Football operations need be removed from the hands of the CEO and placed under an experienced Director of Football. That role must be given the budget, autonomy, and remit to implement a modern recruitment structure, one built on data, relationships, succession planning, and academy development.

Celtic are in danger of operating in a bygone age while rivals and even smaller European clubs embrace modernity. The denial of Maeda’s transfer isn’t just a missed opportunity for the player — it is yet another example of a transfer strategy that is reactive, short-sighted, and self-defeating.

Until Celtic evolve, they will continue to stumble from one chaotic window to the next. It doesn’t need to be this way.

Niall J

Celtic in the Eighties – Out Now! In Celtic shops on Friday…

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out now!

Celtic in the Eighties by the late, great David Potter is officially published today Friday 5 September by Celtic Star Books. All pre-ordered copies have been signed by Celtic legend Danny McGrain who has also written the foreword for David Potter’s final book.

These copies have now been posted to everyone who has pre-ordered with copies being send all over the world. It’s been an incredible response, so thank you to each and every one of you who will be receiving your signed book shorty.

Celtic in the Eighties will be available in the Celtic superstore and all other club shops from today. And don’t forget that you can still purchase your copy directly from Celticstarbooks.com for same day postage.

Order Celtic in the Eighties today, you’ll be glad you did, it’s a fabulous read!

OUT NOW! Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Foreword by Danny McGrain. Published on Celtic Star Books. Click on image to order.

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