Celtic went 12 points ahead of the Rangers, with their 2-0 win over Kilmarnock. Michael Beale’s side do have a game in hand but we have seen the Ibrox side struggle when under pressure throughout the campaign. Let’s see what happens this time around. The Hoops are in a commanding position when it comes to the title race though.
The biggest worry for Celtic right now is their players leaving in the January transfer window. The rumours about Josip Juranovic and Giorgos Giakoumakis are no secret to anyone by this point of time. On the other hand, Matt O’Riley is constantly linked with a move away as well. And recently, the name of Daizen Maeda has been doing the rounds of the rumour mill as well.
Maeda has found his form in recent times. Even against Kilmarnock, he assisted Jota’s opener. The suggestion has been that Southampton have been impressed by the Japanese forward and are keeping an eye on him.
It is clear that Celtic fans would not want to see one of their most in-form players leave. There is some good news in that regard though.
Reliable journalist gives brilliant Celtic transfer update regarding Maeda
As tweeted out by Mark Hendry:
Celtic fans can be relieved to hear it’s only interest at the moment. Saints doing their due diligence in Scotland in coming weeks & Daizen Maeda is on their watchlist, as are Rangers and Aberdeen players.
— Mark Hendry (@mhendry92) January 7, 2023
I’d be shocked if #Celtic allowed exit.
Championship won’t appeal either. https://t.co/3hX90Erdr4
Thus, it looks unlikely that Celtic would let Maeda leave in the middle of the season. On the other hand, Southampton look like a side who could very possibly be relegated from the Premier League this season.
So, it is hard to see Maeda leaving for Southampton in the near future unless the Saints are able to turn their season around or end up making an offer that the club or the player simply cannot refuse.
Maeda’s form will surely be catching the eye of other clubs down south as well, as he has been superb, after what had been a poor start to the season.