When it comes to clubs like Celtic, there are always going to be plenty of transfer rumours. This summer has been no different. But the activity has not matched all the speculation, at least in terms of incomings. We had known for months that Kieran Tierney had signed a pre-contract and was going to return to Parkhead. Other than that, the only other notable addition has been Benjamin Nygren, and even that was a bargain transfer.
When it comes to outgoings, the activity has been much more notable though. Nicolas Kuhn and Greg Taylor have left, two nailed-on starters last season. Other than that, the likes of Luis Palma, Maik Nawrocki, Gustaf Lagerbielke and a few more have headed for the exit door.
There is another player who has been constantly linked with a move away for months now. That is none other than Daizen Maeda.
It had looked like those rumours had faded away with time but this week, speculation around Maeda's future cropped up once again. Brendan Rodgers has made it pretty clear though that he is headed nowhere.
Brendan Rodgers confirms one Celtic transfer that won't happen
As reported by The Herald, Rodgers was asked how confident he is of keeping Maeda at the club, and the Northern Irish manager replied:
"I'm fairly confident of that, yeah, as can be."
There is no way Celtic can even consider parting ways with Maeda right now, no matter what the offer is, if there is one at some point. The squad already looks weaker than last season and the Japanese forward is arguably their most important player.
On the other hand, staying at Celtic makes sense for Maeda as well. He would have seen how things turned out for Kyogo at Rennes. Can he afford something similar in a World Cup year? We do not think so.