Daizen Maeda Is A Statement Signing Ahead Of New Premier League Season | OneFootball

Daizen Maeda’s departure from Celtic has felt inevitable at various points over the last 12 months, but that does not make the challenge of replacing him any easier. After becoming one of the defining figures of the club’s recent success, the Japan international has completed a move to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town, where he will now look to make his mark in English football.

For Ipswich, this is a signing that represents far more than adding another attacking option. Gary O’Neil has secured a player entering the peak years of his career, one with an elite work ethic, proven goalscoring pedigree and extensive experience of delivering in the biggest matches.

For Celtic, however, the transfer leaves a void that cannot simply be measured by goals and assists.

Maeda leaves Glasgow after scoring 79 goals in 212 appearances, helping Celtic lift five Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups. His honours list tells only part of the story.

Over recent seasons, the 28-year-old became the heartbeat of Celtic’s pressing game. His relentless running, willingness to chase seemingly lost causes and ability to force defenders into mistakes became trademarks of a side that dominated Scottish football. Every opponent knew what was coming, yet few found a way to stop him.

His finest individual campaign arrived in 2024/25 when he scored 33 goals in all competitions and was deservedly crowned PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year. More recently, he ended his Celtic career in outstanding form, scoring nine goals in his final seven appearances, including a stunning overhead kick against Rangers before netting the decisive goal in the dramatic title-clinching victory over Hearts.

Those moments ensured he departed as one of the club’s modern-day heroes.

His move to Portman Road also fulfils a personal ambition.

“I am very proud to sign for Ipswich Town,” Maeda said after completing the transfer.

“I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League and I am very happy I can realise that dream with this club. I have loved all of the conversations with the club and they have made me feel very welcome.

“My aim will always be to battle hard, score goals, and provide assists for my team. I will always run and give everything that I have.

“I am excited to learn more about the club and meet the supporters.”

Those final words perhaps best sum up exactly what Ipswich have bought.

Goals will naturally attract attention, with official Pokies net site and online highlights showing how he finds the back of the net with regularity, but Maeda offers so much more. His pace in behind stretches defences, his movement creates opportunities for teammates and his defensive work from the front sets the tone for an entire team. Whether deployed on the left, through the middle or across the front line, he consistently gives defenders one of the toughest physical tests in football.

That profile should suit Gary O’Neil perfectly.

The Ipswich manager believes the Japan international possesses all the attributes needed to succeed in the Premier League.

“We’re very pleased to have Daizen join the club,” O’Neil said.

“Playing in the Premier League is something I know he has been working towards throughout his career and we are proud he has made the decision to do that now at Ipswich Town.

“He works extremely hard and has impressive physical attributes, while also proving over a number of years playing in Scotland that he has the ability to score goals and create for his team.

“He will be a valuable member of the squad, and we look forward to him joining up with the group.”

His international experience further strengthens his credentials. A 30-cap Japan international, Maeda has now featured at two FIFA World Cups and scored his country’s fifth international goal during this summer’s tournament against Sweden. He arrives in Suffolk as a player accustomed to competing under pressure and against elite-level opposition.

For Celtic, though, attention will immediately turn towards replacing a player who shaped so much of their identity.

Replacing his 79 goals is one task. Replacing the relentless intensity, leadership and mentality he brought every single week may prove impossible through one signing alone. Celtic have lost not only one of the Scottish Premiership’s most productive forwards but arguably the player who best embodied the standards that carried them to sustained domestic success.

Ipswich supporters, meanwhile, have every reason to be excited. They are welcoming a player who has built a reputation on tireless commitment and decisive contributions. If Maeda can carry the same energy, professionalism and goalscoring instinct into the Premier League, Portman Road may quickly discover why Celtic supporters found him so difficult to say goodbye to.