Daizen Maeda has been speaking about his future amid an expected exit from Celtic this summer. The Japan international is in the final year of his contract, and not only does it make sense for the Bhoys to sell, but the player wants a new challenge to play in a top league.
Maeda has been reliably productive during his time at Celtic, and even Martin O'Neill has said he can ask no more from the forward, who deserves his big opportunity.
And his chances of landing a top move have never been better, especially after he impressed with Japan during the World Cup.
Maeda admits to Premier League dream
Speaking to Japanese outlet PIVOT, Maeda admitted to his desire to play in the Premier League.
"I've always wanted to play in the Premier League ever since I went to Celtic, so I think this year might be my chance," he said.
"My strongest desire is to play in the Premier League for at least a year. I haven't really thought about what comes after that.(The reason I'm so eager to move to the Premier League is) I think it's the best league, and I'm confident I can do it there, so that's why I want to take on the challenge.
"There are certain strengths to being Japanese, and I believe that no matter which team I join, there will always be many who want me. I want to showcase those strengths of being Japanese.
"It's really not decided yet. It's about negotiations between Celtic and the other party... Until that's finalized, I still have one year left on my contract with Celtic.
"For me, it's simply that I want to play in the Premier League, and I don't care which team it is, I just want to play here. So, no matter which team it is, what I have to do won't change. I think that's the only thing that matters when it comes to fighting."
Premier League opportunity likely for Maeda
Maeda's Celtic and World Cup form will give him a strong chance of landing a Premier League move this summer, and it will come down to who is willing to pay at least ÂŁ15million, if not ÂŁ20million, to land the forward.
With Celtic willing to cash in, a deal shouldn't be too difficult to reach, and if Maeda is telling his representatives he wants a move to the Premier League, an English top flight cup shouldn't be too hard to find.
As for Celtic, they need to get a move on in replacing Maeda, given it is almost certain he will leave this summer. We keep saying it, but it a big problem that Celtic are not being proactive in this transfer window.
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