Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has issued his verdict on the upcoming Daizen Maeda to Ipswich Town transfer deal. Maeda looks to be heading to the Tractor Boys on a £10million deal, with the two clubs in advanced discussions having agreed a deal in principle.
Maeda has spoken of his desire to play in the Premier League, and Ipswich can offer than having won promotion back to the top flight last season at the first time of asking Though they have since lost manager Kieran McKenna, who walked away from his job, with Gary O'Neill coming in.
Sutton not impressed by Maeda deal
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes Celtic are not getting enough for Maeda, and he is also concerned the forward ha not chosen the right club.
He posted on X: “😂😂😂 Maeda is worth much more than £10 million and will find himself playing Championship football the following season. Bad deal for Celtic and Maeda…”
Ultimately, Celtic are not able to cash in on the full value of Maeda due to the fact he is in the last year of his contract with the club. The Japanese international has also made it clear he would like a new challenge, so Celtic are not in a strong negotiating position.
As for Maeda, he is 28 years of age and desperate to realise his dream of playing in the Premier League, so he has no time to waste. Ipswich will be seen as a risk given they are recently promoted and going into the Premier League with a new manager, but getting into the Premier League is not easy.
Maeda has been a hit in Scotland, and he did do well in the World Cup, but that doesn't mean he is going to land a top club down South. Even Arne Engels, who looks to be a top player in the making, is not going to end up with anything more than a mid-table Premier League club, barring a surprise this summer.
Top Premier League clubs want proven Premier League players, or at least players proven in top leagues, and Maeda knows he hasn't got that on his CV. The Celtic favourite just needs to take whatever chance he has of realising his dream, and if he rejects the Ipswich move, he might miss out altogether, which is something he may forever reject. It's not the most glamorous move, but compromises must often be made to realise one's dream.
Add us as a preferred source on Google