Daizen Maeda has already admitted that he was interested in leaving Celtic in the summer transfer window. And with January getting closer, those exit rumours are starting to crop up once again. This time around, perhaps it would make sense for the Hoops to sanction the Japanese forward's exit and bring in a replacement.
It is easy to understand why Celtic might have been reluctant to part ways with Maeda in the summer. He was coming off an incredible 24/25 campaign while Nicolas Kuhn, another one of their key players, left for Como FC.
Maeda has been nowhere near as good this season. He has scored 4 goals in 17 appearances and it might be time to part ways. Who could replace him though?
67 Hail Hail have come up with a list of players Celtic should consider signing as Maeda's replacement. One of the names on that list is Sam Surridge of Nashville.
Celtic tipped to sign 31-goal striker to replace Daizen Maeda
Surridge is coming off arguably the best season of his career. He scored 31 goals in 40 appearances for Nashville, which included three hattricks. In the previous campaign, he had scored 15 times in 32 games, which is a respectable output as well.
Many would claim that Surridge's success has come in the MLS, and that is accurate. Then again, it is not like the Scottish Premiership is the highest level of football. That transition is very possible to make.
Also, he is 27 years of age and in his prime as a footballer. Rarely do Celtic sign players like that. Someone like Surridge could be an excellent addition to this team, if he can make the adjustment to the Premiership.
Then again, there are some areas to be worried about as well. He was not prolific during his time in the Premier League and the Championship.