Daizen Maeda freely admitted that he was looking to leave Celtic this summer.
The Japan international winger was ready to open up the next chapter of his career as Maeda asked to leave Celtic in the summer transfer window.
Maeda has been a revelation at Parkhead and since he joined Celtic in 2022 and has contributed to one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
But since then, Maeda has scored for Celtic in their win over Kilmarnock and captain Callum McGregor has revealed how the Japan star is feeling at the club right now.
Callum McGregor says Celtic can still ‘hang their hat’ on Daizen Maeda
Most players would down tools if they are forced to stay at a club they want away from, but that seems to not be the case for Maeda at Celtic.
McGregor told the Daily Record, “No, no, definitely not. He’s one of these characters that gives you 100 percent no matter what.
“He’s one guy you can hang your hat on that is going to give you 100 percent until the day he does move on.
“To be fair, I think everybody at some point expected that might be the case, considering he’s flown all the way across the world to play for this club.
“He’s been amazing for the team, he’s been amazing for the club, he’s done so well and I’m sure he’ll continue to do that as well.”
Daizen Maeda is completely committed to Celtic
So if Maeda wants to leave Celtic but has been denied his move, is he still fully committed to the club’s ambition of progressing in Europe and winning another domestic treble?
You bet he is.
McGregor continued, “He doesn’t speak much. But again, you see it by his actions and how he dedicates himself like the flying back and playing the next day and all these things.
“He’s somebody who you can hang your hat on, being a senior player and giving everything he’s got.
“He is (low maintenance). He just loves playing football to be fair. And that’s the one thing we’ve all got in common.
“But to go and fly to the other side of the world and play international football and then fly back and play a day later or two days later, then I think that shows you the commitment he’s got to the club.”
Will Maeda be at Celtic until the end of the season? The vast majority of the Hoops support will certainly hope so.
Fans will certainly be hoping that he gets back to his best as the Europa League campaign nears because if Maeda wants a big move, the European stage is the perfectly place to earn it.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
