Daizen Maeda has hinted he could remain at Celtic for the remainder of his contract, despite widespread expectations of a summer departure. The Japan international, 28, is entering the final 12 months of his deal at Celtic Park.
Collapsed move and resurgence
Last summer, Maeda appeared destined to leave on deadline day, even emptying his locker at Lennoxtown. Former boss Brendan Rodgers later revealed the attacker had expressed a desire for a new challenge as early as February 2025. However, a move to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg collapsed on the final day of the window after Adam Idah left the club, leaving Celtic without a recognised striker.
Following the failed transfer, Maeda's form dropped dramatically before he rediscovered his key role for the Hoops, scoring in six consecutive games — including crucial goals in the title decider against Hearts and the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline.
Maeda's focus on Celtic
Speaking at the World Cup ahead of Japan's match against Sweden, Maeda addressed his future. Asked what he had learned from his four-and-a-half years in Glasgow, he said: "That, if you do your best, the supporters will feel it, and they'll want to root for you. So I want to continue doing my best in Scotland."
When told that a female member of Scotland's back-room staff had said "tell him I love him" via the BBC, Maeda responded: "Getting people to love and accept you, not just in Japan but in foreign countries like Scotland too, is not easy. So it makes me so happy that your friend said that."
Contract situation
Maeda's current contract runs until summer 2027, meaning he could leave on a free transfer next year. Despite his recent form, the forward had been widely expected to depart this summer, but his latest comments suggest a potential U-turn.
