Celtic’s biggest strength during the time of Ange Postecoglou as manager has been their scouting and recruitment. Thanks to it, they have been able to discover several stars and rebuilt a squad that was in disarray when the Australian had arrived following the 2020/21 campaign. Since then, the club have brought in a number of players who have gone on to become household names like Kyogo, Jota, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley, Daizen Maeda and several more.
Maeda has made a positive impact at Celtic since making the switch from Postecoglou’s former side, Yokohama F. Marinos, in the 2022 January transfer window. In one year, he has become a champion of Scotland and is now closing in on repeating the feat this season.
His success in club colours have led him to more international opportunities as well, with Maeda getting selected for the Japan national team squad in the 2022 World Cup. Not only did he get called up, but he also grabbed the opportunity with both hands and impressed.
This year, Maeda has already notched up a piece of silverware with Celtic in the form of the Scottish League Cup, defeating rivals Rangers 2-1 in the final. And his individual numbers for the club have been great as well. According to stats from Transfermarkt, the Japanese star has scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists in 60 appearances for the Hoops.
Celtic starter rubbishes rumours about Premier League move
His rising stock in Scotland raised a few doubts over Maeda’s long-term future at Parkhead, with Southampton rumoured to be one of his admirers in the latest January transfer window. However, as reported by the Daily Record, in an interview in his homeland, he said:
"“Right now, I’m not thinking about the future at all. I just won one of the domestic cups with Celtic, but I still have another cup and league title left to win this season. That is my only priority.“Personally, I would like to achieve double-digit goals and assists. Until this season, I had almost no assists even though I scored a few goals.“This season, my assists have increased and I would like to think that’s been linked to our results. If I want to be a part of the next World Cup in the USA, then there are still many things here at Celtic that I need to do.“The enthusiasm of the local fans in Scotland reminds me of my days at Matsumoto Yamaga. But back then in 2016 when I was in the Japanese second division, I never ever thought I would see the day that I played and scored at a World Cup.“It changed everything for me. In fact, after the Finals, when I returned home to Japan, people started noticing me all the time so I disguised myself a little! But inside, I’ve not changed at all.”"
As the Japan international has a contract with the Hoops until the summer 2026, it is unlikely that Celtic would be in any hurry to part ways with him anytime soon.
Maeda had faced some criticism earlier on this season, as he struggled quite a bit. But he has turned things completely around as the campaign has progressed and established as one of the club’s most important players.