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Most of Celtic’s transfer business since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou as manager has involved incomings instead of outgoings. The Hoops have been rewarded for constantly strengthening their squad as well, as they won the Premiership and League Cup double last season and are leading the title race by a nine-point margin this time around.
The fact of the matter remains though that Celtic will have to let most of their star players leave for big fees sooner or later, in order to make the club’s transfer strategy work.
Of course, the two first-team stars who have been most heavily linked with moves away in recent times are Giorgos Giakoumakis and Josip Juranovic. And their exits this January seem almost inevitable at this point of time.
Another player who has been loosely linked with a Parkhead exit as well though is Daizen Maeda, with Southampton rumoured to hold an interest in the Japanese forward. And as reported by Football Insider, Alan Hutton said:
"“It will be the big talking point, how much is he worth in today’s market?“For Celtic to let one of their better players go it needs to be worth it for them. They also need a replacement there.“I know they are heavily stocked when it comes to attacking players, they have got lots of options. Maybe if a big fee comes in they will be willing to listen to it but it all comes down to the number.“"
Celtic tipped to let Japanese star leave for big offer
To be honest, if the offer is too good, then one cannot rule out the possibility of any player leaving Celtic, in any transfer window.
But as things stand, with Juranovic and Giakoumakis appearing to be on their way out of the club in the very near future, it seems almost impossible for Celtic to let another one of their key players leave in the same window.
Maeda was considered as one of the weak links of this team not too long ago, but he is impressively turned his season around in recent times. Now, he appears to be one of the most vital parts of this team and has been consistently making a difference.
So, while never say never in football, expect to see Maeda in a Celtic shirt beyond this January transfer window.