There is a lot of negativity around Celtic at the moment after what was a disappointing summer transfer window. One of the stories that has emerged in recent days is about how Daizen Maeda was open to the prospect of leaving and a significant bid had come in from the Bundesliga. But the Scottish champions ended up blocking the exit.
That is an understandable decision. It would have been difficult to replace someone like Maeda. Nicolas Kuhn had already left in a big-money move this summer and the Hoops did not need the funds.
That being said, often, when players want to leave, they manage to engineer their exits even if it takes a bit of time. Last summer, there were rumours about Kyogo leaving and the move did eventually happen in January. Will we see the same thing with Maeda? It looks like the Hoops have already made that decision.
As reported by Football Insider, Celtic will not allow Maeda to leave in the January transfer window. Depending on the situation at the end of the season, the Scottish champions may sanction the Japanese international to move on next summer.
Celtic already make Daizen Maeda January exit decision
Maeda scored 33 goals for Celtic last season. So, it is not hard to see why the club might have been reluctant to part ways with him. That being said, his recent performances have been nowhere near up to the mark.
He played a big part in Celtic failing to make the Champions League this season. Maeda missed an one-on-one chance late in the second leg against Kairat and then missed the deciding spot kick as well.
One has to wonder if the transfer situation has had an effect on Maeda's performances. At the end of the day, it is hard to perform at your best when you are unsure about your future with the team.
After this decision, there is no uncertainty about things though. Celtic seem intent on keeping Maeda for at least one more season. Hopefully, that will help him refocus and start performing at his best once again, especially with this being the campaign prior to the World Cup.