Some major news broke earlier today as it appears that Daizen Maeda was ready to leave Celtic this summer but the club ended up blocking any such departure. It is not hard to see why, considering the lack of options that the Hoops have in the forward areas right now. Letting the Japanese international would be unthinkable, even as he gets criticised for his recent performances.
Perhaps that might explain his recent dip in form as well. But all said and done, Meada is still a Celtic player, at least until the next transfer window.
Of course, big-name January exits have not been uncommon at Parkhead in recent years. Jeremie Frimpong, Josip Juranovic, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Kyogo are some names that come to mind immediately. Let's see what the future holds for Maeda.
It looks like Germany was going to be his most likely destination if he had left this summer. As reported by Anthony Joseph, a Bundesliga club registered their interest last week and Maeda was keen. The German club made a big bid last weekend, but Celtic were in no position to entertain it due to a shortage of forwards
'Big bid' - Anthony Joseph drops Daizen Maeda Celtic exit news
Celtic did resist the idea of parting ways with Maeda for a 'big bid' this summer. The same cannot be said about Adam Idah though, as the Hoops sanctioned the Irishman's move to Swansea City on deadline day without bringing in a replacement. Ultimately, they signed Kelechi Iheanacho as a free agent.
One can only hope that Maeda is able to rediscover his form over the course of this season. In recent times, we have seen him struggle in front of goal, as he is missing chances he was easily putting away even some months back.
The game against Kairat was a perfect example of that. Maeda had the perfect opportunity to send Celtic through into the Champions League main phase but could not hit the target despite being one-on-one with the goalkeeper and then missed his spot kick.