Chris Sutton has backed one Celtic standout for a move this summer after a strong summer. The Bhoys are still yet to make a single move this summer, and they are the only Scottish Premiership side in that category.
Fans are growing more frustrated by the day at this point, with pre-season underway and the new season less than a month away. There is work aplenty to do, with one striker at the club currently, while there is no starting goalkeeper.
Still, the wait goes on, and the biggest concern is that a couple of big players are likely to leave the club in Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda.
Sutton backs Maeda to land his big move
According to former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, Maeda has now earned his move away from the club after waiting patiently and consistently delivering in the meantime, including at the World Cup.
“Yet, at the same time, it doesn’t shock me because, let’s be honest, it’s been happening for years and nothing seems to change," Sutton told the Daily Record when speaking about Celtic's lack of activity. “I don’t know what Martin O’Neill is thinking at the moment about the recruitment work, but I do know he needs bodies with quality and plenty of them.
“As has been discussed many times, he had to add anyway and that was even before main men start walking out of the door, which looks destined to happen.
“Top of that cast list is Daizen Maeda. I’ve been able to see him play over here during the catalogue of matches I have covered. It’s been obvious for a while that he looks like going having been denied a move this time last year and he’s done nothing to damage his reputation at the World Cup.
“Not many boys manage to score in one of these competitions, never mind two. So the fact Maeda added to his strike in Qatar with his effort against Sweden last weekend enhances his reputation and it was a goal right out of his playbook.
“Rapid movement away from a defender from out to in to meet a through pass and finish was typical of the Japanese.”
Big asking price could be a stumbling block
Celtic are set to ask for around ÂŁ21million for Maeda this summer, which is a big price for any club to pay, although Premier League clubs certainly have the means to pull off such a move.
The 28-year-old is in his prime, and given the numbers he has put up, Celtic are well within their rights to ask for big money this summer. Maeda is also a versatile attacker who can play anywhere in the front line or as an attacking midfielder, so he is a very valuable asset.
Maeda's World Cup performances, which largely saw him play as a striker, will surely have turned heads, but with only one year remaining on his deal, you do wonder whether Celtic may have to compromise a little on the fee.
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