The unsellable, irreplaceable Daizen Maeda | OneFootball

It might be a football cliché, but some players really are unsellable — at least for a time — and for Celtic this summer, Daizen Maeda falls squarely into that bracket…

Daizen Maeda of Celtic FC with Ivan Fresneda of Sporting CP in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting CP and Celtic at Estadio Algarve on July 16, 2025 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Maeda’s value to this team can’t be measured purely in goals or assists. His tireless pressing, positional discipline, and sheer intensity make him irreplaceable in our system. When Celtic need urgency, he brings it. When we need discipline, he delivers. Whether leading the line or tracking back to double up defensively, he does it all — and without complaint.

So, when some unwanted chat emerged this week about Brentford keeping tabs on him — potentially as a replacement if Yoane Wissa departs West London, possibly for Newcastle United — it’s understandable some of the support got a bit twitchy.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic FC during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting CP and Celtic at Estadio Algarve on July 16, 2025 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

While nothing seems in any way concrete, and the rumour really does looks unfounded for now, there’s always that worry in football circles — the old “no smoke without fire.”

The manager had to field questions yesterday after Celtic thumped EPL side Newcastle United 4-0 in a friendly at Celtic Park. Whilst Brendan Rodgers didn’t mention anything about transfer interest, never mind bids. he did supply a short update on Maeda’s contract situation, and it was a case of ‘as you were’ for now.

“I don’t think there have been any developments on that, but he’s a professional and his focus is very much on here.”

But the truth is we shouldn’t even need to have the conversation. What Celtic could, perhaps should, be doing now is simple. If the lucrative five-year contract is a problem, or if the player wants to look at options away from the club, there’s been a good solution mooted amongst the Celtic support this week.

Celtic FC players pose for a team photo before the start of the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting CP and Celtic at Estadio Algarve on July 16, 2025 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Namely, we sit down with Maeda, and agree on a smart, mutually beneficial extension. Nothing dramatic. Just one more year added, taking him through to summer 2028. That brings him back to the sweet spot of having three years left on his deal — a key position for both negotiating position and security.

In return, we could increase his salary to reflect the massive role he plays week in, week out. And to be fair to the player, we insert a release clause that activates from the beginning of June 2026. That gives him the chance to explore options down the line, after what will likely be a pivotal season – and the club would still have the same value to their asset as we hold now.

Sporting CP v Celtic – Pre-Season Friendly Daizen Maeda of Celtic FC controls the ball during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting de Lisboa and Celtic FC at Estadio Algarve in Faro, Portugal, on July 16, 2025. Faro Portugal Photo DAX Images

And let’s not forget — the World Cup looms next year. Maeda’s place in the Japan squad has been secure while at Celtic. A rushed move — like Kyogo’s ill-fated switch to Rennes — could derail his international ambitions. Staying at Celtic, where he’s trusted and settled, gives him the best platform to shine ahead of the tournament.

From there? The World Cup becomes his shop window, and ours. If the right offer comes, Celtic and Maeda can shake hands, part ways on good terms, and everyone wins.

We keep him. We back him. And we show him just how much he’s valued

But for now, we keep him. We back him. And we show him just how much he’s valued.

Sporting de Lisboa v Celtic FC – Pre-Season Friendly Daizen Maeda of Celtic FC is in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting de Lisboa and Celtic FC at Estadio Algarve in Faro, Portugal, on July 16, 2025. Faro Portugal. Photo: DAX Images

We’d all love the club to announce a five-year contract, but we’ve been apparently talking to his representatives since March. If that’s not likely, perhaps another approach is worth trying.

Because Daizen Maeda isn’t just another name on the squad list — he’s arguably the pulse of this team now.

And considering we’ve still to replace Kyogo, after the player left the in January, I’m not sure I’d have much confidence in the club being ready to source a replacement for a player who feels pretty much irreplaceable.

Niall J

Here’s Kieran Tierney speaking to The Celtic Star and a few other Celtic fan media sites…

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter…

Thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered the late David Potter’s last ever Celtic book, Celtic in the Eighties, which will be published on the fifth day of September by Celtic Star Books. The link to pre-order your copy is below…

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out 5 September 2025. Available to pre-order now.

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