Daizen Maeda resumes training with Japan but is uncertain about his Celtic future | OneFootball

Daizen Maeda admits he is uncertain about his long-term future at Celtic. The Celtic striker has returned to training with Japan easing any injury concerns after his bruising encounter in the Glasgow Derby…

Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Japanese forward scored an impressive header during his side’s unfortunate 3-2 defeat to theRangers on Sunday afternoon at Celtic Park. Daizen Maeda out-jumped James Tavernier at the back post to meet Jota’s pinpoint cross, offering Brendan Rodgers’ side respite after a dismal first half showing, but the Hoops were unable to capitalise on it.

Maeda has scored 28 goals this season

The 27-year-old has had his best season of his professional career so far, scoring 28 goals and providing eight assists in 42 appearances across all competitions for the Scottish Champions, who are currently 13 points clear at the top of the league, looking down on theRangers.

Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring Celtic’s first goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Maeda has attracted transfer speculation

As is common for footballers who perform at a high level consistently, Maeda has attracted transfer speculation, and he was recently asked about his future at Celtic. He was questioned by Sky Sports: “You seem so settled, so for you, when you see other players leave, for you, is it Celtic for the long term?”

Daizen Maeda responded: “Well, I am not sure. That’s a difficult question. While I am here, I always want to fight and play for Celtic. I want to keep focusing and playing for the team.”

Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The forward signed for Celtic at the start of 2022 from Yokohama Marinos during Ange Postecoglou’s tenure as manager. Maeda has always been known for his exceptional work rate, pressing, and pace, but this season under Brendan Rodgers, he has taken his game to another level, delivering more goals, assists, and outstanding performances.

Kyogo Furuhashi of Stade Rennais is pictured on the substituted bench at the Ligue 1l match between AS Saint-Etienne and Stade Rennais FC on February 08, 2025 at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne, France. Photo IMAGO

His recent remarks have raised questions about his future at Celtic for the longer-term. It was just a few months ago, Maeda’s compatriot, Kyogo Furuhashi, made a surprising move from Glasgow’s east end to Rennes. Maybe Kyogo’s post-Celtic blues at Rennes will make an impression on Daizen who will perhaps have a better understanding of what he has got at Celtic and that the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere.

Peter Lawwell, Chairman of Celtic, Dermot Desmond, Non-Executive Director of Celtic, and Michael Nicholson, CEO of Celtic, are seen in attendance prior to the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

For Michael Nicholson surely the number one priority at the moment is to look at getting Daizen on a new, improved and extended contract at Celtic?

Meanwhile concerns over Daizen Maeda’s fitness have been eased as the Celtic striker returned to training with the Japan squad ahead of their two World Cup qualifiers.

Conor Spence

Henrik Larsson scores for Celtic in Seville. Photo Celtic FC

GET ‘HENRIK – SEVEN MAGNIFICENT YEARS’ FREE WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR CELTIC POOLS WEEKLY LOTTERY – OFFER ENDS TODAY!

Did you miss out on the FREE copy of Henrik Larsson’s brilliant new book? By signing up to Celtic Pools weekly lottery you receive a free copy of Henrik – Seven Magnificent Years and you can win up to £25k.  The offer initially ended on Sunday but has now been extended until today 19 March, so don’t miss out and click on the image below to join. Your free copy will be posted out early next month….

Last chance to get your FREE copy of Henrik’s book!

More Stories / Latest News

Daizen Maeda resumes training with Japan but is uncertain about his Celtic future

Mar 19 2025, 9:27

Neil Lennon’s criticism of ‘sloppy’ Nicolas Kuhn – “He was poor, yeah”

Mar 19 2025, 8:40

Sky Sports’ Ref Watch closely examined Celtic’s late penalty claim

Mar 19 2025, 7:39