DAIZEN MAEDA'S NEW CELTIC DEAL: THE REAL STORY
- BY LIAM CARRIGAN
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
I’m not slow to call out the mainstream media when they get it wrong, but even a badly broken clock is right once a day. And let’s be honest, the phrase “Daizen Maeda's New Celtic Deal” is one we’ve all wanted to see for a while now.
Don’t Worry I Didn’t Read The S*n
It is true that the first Scottish outlet to run the story was The S*n. Normally, I wouldn’t give anything they say the time of day.
Thankfully, some sources in Japan are also running this story. Not only does that mean I didn’t need to click on the blood-stained rag that is The S*n, but it also lends further credibility to the story.
As I’ve said many times on ACSOM, unlike in Scotland, Japanese papers don’t run a story until they believe it has some genuine validity.
The Symbol of The Celtic Team
In recent comments, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said that Maeda is “a great symbol for our team and our collective. He brings the highest level of intensity that we want.”
Indeed, whilst many fans, myself included, mourned the departure of Kyogo, the subsequent emergence of Daizen Maeda as our main goal threat has been a net positive for Celtic overall.
What Japanese Press Are Saying
Various Japanese language sources say that Celtic are keen to a new deal for Maeda as soon as possible. However, with his current deal set to run until 2027, time is on Celtic’s side here.
However, the club are keen to tie the striker down as soon as possible.
Family Plays a Huge Part
Sources close to Maeda also say that he, and his family are very happy in Glasgow.
As I’ve said before, family is everything to someone like Daizen Maeda. It’s why he didn’t permanently move to Europe earlier in his career.
It is also why now, with his family life in a great place, he too is playing arguably the best football of his career.
Daizen Maeda's New Celtic Deal Could be Announced Soon
In all likelihood, Celtic are moving at this time, because with Japan having qualified for the World Cup, Maeda’s mind is now fixed firmly on club football.
With less than 18 months to go until the tournament kicks off, Maeda’s primary motivation now will be to do all he can to force his way into Hajime Moriyasu’s starting eleven.
I think he’s also aware how things have gone wrong for other, former, Celtic players recently.
Kyogo’s Troubles Will Influence Maeda’s Decision
Maeda will have seen his friend and former team mate Kyogo Furuhashi struggle badly since his move to Rennes.
He will, I’m sure, be very cautious of making the same mistake.
Also, unlike Kyogo, Daizen is already a regular fixture in the Japan squad, so there is no immediate need to move away from Celtic to cement his place.
A Milestone for Maeda
This Saturday will also see Maeda make his 150th appearance for Celtic when we take on Hearts at Celtic Park.
With 28 goals already this season, you wouldn’t bet against him hitting the milestone of 30 by the time the final whistle blows on Saturday afternoon.
A New Deal for the striker would be the perfect way to mark this occasion. It would also give a timely boost to Celtic fans still smarting from an unexpected derby defeat two weeks ago.
