Thank You Daizen – Maeda completes £10m Celtic exit | OneFootball

Ipswich Town has completed the signing of Japanese forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic. The 28-year-old leaves Celtic after an incredible four and a half years in Glasgow’s East End…

The newly promoted Tractor Boys, managed by Gary O’Neil, announced the signing of Daizen earlier today in a deal worth £8m plus £2m in add-ons.

Signed by Ange Postecoglou midway through his first season, Maeda scored on his debut against Hibs. In 212 appearances, he has scored 79 goals and assisted on 38 occasions, including 4 goals in the UEFA Champions League as well as 7 goals and 5 assists against Rangers.

The numbers don’t do Daizen justice, his pressing abilities were second to none and at one point he was the top of the charts in Europe, joint with Real Madrid’s Valverde for running stats. Brendan Rodgers helped add more consistency to Daizen’s form, which led to a number of clubs taking notice. He ended the 2024/25 season with all the accolades and deservedly so.

Last season was patchy as the Japan International struggled to deal with his summer move falling apart. When Celtic needed him most, in the run in, Daizen produced an incredible run of form that led to the stunning final day win over Hearts. It was fitting that the goal to put Celtic in front came from Daizen and you saw his emotions when the goal was given.

His final goal in the Hoops came in the Scottish Cup Final against Dunfermline with a terrific lob.

A modern Celtic icon.

Thank you, Daizen.

HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…

Celtic Shorts is the new home for the team from The Celtic Star

Summer Sale now on! Both books for just £20 plus P&P. Order now at Celticstarbooks.com

Quick Tip – Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!

Click to join Celtic Pools