As we get closer to the summer transfer window, it is natural that the speculation surrounding Celtic is only growing. The club have been linked with a number of players in recent times. That includes new names like David Strelec, Kalidou Sidibe, Sondre Orjasaeter and more, alongside some familiar ones like Kyogo Furuhashi and Odsonne Edouard.
Bringing in new players to strengthen Brendan Rodgers' squad will be important. At the same time, Celtic must also make sure that they keep their best players as well.
That being said, on the back of another strong season, it is likely that Celtic players will draw interest. That is the case every time. In 2023, Jota left. Last year, it was Matt O'Riley. And in the winter, Kyogo was the one to depart.
So, do not be surprised if Celtic say goodbye to an important player this summer as well. The one to draw the most interest is likely to be Daizen Maeda, who has had the best season of his career by quite some distance. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has scored 33 goals and provided 11 assists. Even more impressively, he played the majority of his games as a winger.
Liverpool and Arsenal want to sign £25m Celtic player
It looks like some of the best teams in the world are now trying to sign the Japanese international. As reported by TBR Football, Liverpool and Arsenal are among a host of Premier League clubs showing interest in Maeda. Other teams like Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Brentford, Fulham, Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Leeds United have also watched him in action for Celtic. He might be available for around £25 million this summer.
So, it looks like Maeda will have no lack of suitors if he chooses to leave Celtic in the summer transfer window. Fans will be hoping that he does not.
Maeda is Celtic's most important player right now. There is very little doubt about that. It is not just goals that he brings to this team. His versatility and never-ending pressing ability are key to how the Hoops play as well, especially going forward. So, they should even consider parting ways with him, even if an offer in the region of £25 million comes in.