Daizen Maeda has agreed a new contract keeping him at Celtic in 2027.
The Japanese international joined initially on loan in January 2022, before signing a permanent deal six months later.
After 18 months, and helping the team to four trophies, he has extended his stay at Celtic.
The club announced the news in a statement on Thursday afternoon. In it, they included some very positive comments from manager Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers said: “Daizen has many qualities that I like in a player — high intensity, attack-minded and his work rate on and off the ball is exceptional.
“He has played a key role in the team since he arrived, helping to secure yet another Treble for the club so I am delighted we have been able to secure a new deal with him.
“Daizen’s attributes make him a really exciting player and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Rodgers is yet to meet with Maeda, with the attacker enjoying some extra rest after featuring recently for Japan.
News of his extension comes days after his compatriot Kyogo Furuhashi also pledged his future to the club until 2027.
Maeda’s renewal is unlikely to get the same level of reaction, given Kyogo’s reputation within the Celtic support, but it is more good news.
Given that Ange Postecoglou had paved the way for many Japanese talents to come to Celtic, there was a bit of a sense that they may no longer fancy being around after his departure.
However, recent events tell us that the Japanese influence at Celtic is going to continue just as strongly as before. We can put the myth that they were only here for Postecoglou firmly to bed.
Next stop Reo Hatate, hopefully.
In other news, Matt O’Riley has shared the message that Brendan Rodgers has been giving his Celtic players
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