Viljami Sinisalo on ‘amazing’ Daizen Maeda remaining at Celtic next season | OneFootball

Viljami Sinisalo has voiced his desire for Daizen Maeda to remain at Celtic next season, praising the forward’s impact and describing him as “amazing” amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future…

Daizen Maeda celebrates during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on April 25, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

Maeda is beginning to peak at a pivotal moment in the campaign, contributing five goals and assists combined across the Hoops’ last two matches. His latest performance came in Celtic’s 3-1 win over Falkirk on Saturday evening, where he proved decisive.

The 28-year-old opened the scoring with a long-range effort from over 25 yards after winning the ball back from Keelan Adams. He then turned provider by setting up Kieran Tierney for the second goal before adding another himself late on, finishing off a well-worked move created by substitute Sebastian Tounekti.

Speculation about Maeda’s future has been ongoing for close to a year. After an impressive return of 33 goals in all competitions last season, he came close to joining Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Alistair Johnston during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on April 25, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

Although his goal tally this season is significantly lower, there remains a strong sense that this campaign could mark his final one in Hoops colours.

Speaking via Daily Record, Sinisalo said: “You don’t want to lose players like that. He’s a brilliant guy, a brilliant footballer, and a brilliant human being.”

“People like that are big for the changing room and big for the club. I definitely hope he stays. It probably took about three months before he spoke a word to me – no, I’m only joking! He definitely understands more than he speaks.”

“You know you’ve done well if Daizen comes up and says ‘well done’ after a game, that’s always a good sign. He’s an amazing man. We are lucky to have him.”

Maeda remains tied to Celtic on a deal that runs through to the summer of 2027, providing the club with some degree of security amid ongoing speculation about his future.

READ THIS…“Five games to go. All in for the title,” Daizen Maeda

He has now reached double digits in every season since arriving in early 2022 from Yokohama F. Marinos to join the Hoops.

“I’d hate to have Daizen running down on me when I’ve got the ball! I wouldn’t be the biggest fan of that,” Sinisalo added. “He’s been amazing. He does so much for the team and it really doesn’t go unnoticed by the lads.”

“Sometimes you don’t get your goal, but he’s still such an important part of the team. He’s a brilliant footballer who works so hard.”

“Everyone knows he’s got that in him and hopefully he can keep scoring the goals like he has done previously at this club, because we really need him.”

Conor Spence

READ THIS…“Goal Celtic – The scorer, number 38, Daizen, Daizen, Daizen….” Maeda

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