Daizen Maeda’s transfer dilemma with World Cup on horizon

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The Celtic Star

·19 settembre 2025

Daizen Maeda’s transfer dilemma with World Cup on horizon

Callum McGregor has dismissed any suggestion that Daizen Maeda might lose focus after being denied a summer transfer, hailing the Japanese attacker as one of the most dedicated teammates he has shared a pitch with…

Daizen Maeda scores for Celtic at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

During the international break, Daizen Maeda disclosed that he had reached an agreement with another club, though Celtic eventually had to block the move due to their own recruitment frustrations after leaving everything to the last minute as per usual.

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Brendan Rodgers later acknowledged he had known about the Daizen’s wish to depart as far back as February given that he only has two-years left on his current contract.

Even with that admission, Maeda looked fully focused at Rugby Park on Sunday, delivering his usual tireless pressing and breaking the deadlock with a brilliant diving header in Celtic’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock.

After scoring on 33 occasions last campaign, Maeda’s strike in Ayrshire marked his first league goal of the season, and captain McGregor feels it could ignite a very good season to come.

Daizen Maeda celebrates after scoring at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Speaking via Daily Record, McGregor dismissed any suggestions that Maeda would down tools. “No, definitely not,” he said. “He’s one of these characters that gives you 100 percent no matter what.”

“He’s one guy you can hang your hat on that is going to give you 100 percent until the day he does move on. To be fair, I think everybody at some point expected that might be the case, considering he’s flown all the way across the world to play for this club.”

“He’s been amazing for the team, he’s been amazing for the club, he’s done so well and I’m sure he’ll continue to do that as well.”

Daizen Maeda modelling the brand new Celtic FC x adidas Terrace Icons collection

Maeda’s effort levels will never be in doubt, but with Celtic’s only other option at the front end of the pitch being Kelechi Iheanacho, the manager will be hoping the Japanese frontman will find a consistent run of goal contributions now that he is off the mark for the season.

Uncertainty over his future is likely to linger for some time, and with January only months away, speculation is bound to intensify again. The key question will be whether the club decides to sanction a move during the next transfer window given his precarious contract situation.

For Daizen himself he has to consider the timing of his move away from Celtic carefully. Does he take the first opportunity to leave in the January window, meaning he will be going through a settling in period during the rest of the season at his new club ahead of Japan’s participation at next summer’s World Cup.

Daizen Maeda, Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito of Japan celebrate qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the 2-0 victory after the FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier Group C match between Japan and Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)

Or does he stay at Celtic for the season, make an impact at the World Cup then assess the offers that will come his way after performing on football’s biggest stage? It’s certainly something that he’ll be discussing with his agent.

Whenever Daizen does go he’ll leave with our immense appreciation and best wishes from all of the Celtic support.

Conor Spence

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