Charlie Mulgrew has urged Daizen Maeda to lift his performance levels for Celtic amid concern over his current form.
Maeda hasn’t been his usual self so far this season after a stunning 2024/25 campaign that saw him win Celtic’s Player of the Year award.
The Japanese forward wanted to leave Parkhead in the summer, but was denied a departure route by the club.
Maeda will have the opportunity to leave Celtic in the January transfer window provided the right bid is lodged for the 27-year-old.
Mulgrew says Daizen Maeda needs to step up for Celtic
But at the moment, Mulgrew says he needs to earn a move away by upping his game for Celtic between now and the window.
Speaking to The Go Radio Football Show, Mulgrew said: “I think there’s something there, but I don’t know — I can’t quite put my finger on it.
“I think with Maeda, what they were doing a lot last year was maybe not scoring from the first or second attack, but pressing the ball straight away again and winning it back.
“There was a big emphasis on the counter-press, and I just don’t know if Maeda has one foot out the door now.
“He was a huge player last year with the way he ran and pressed. I just think he needs to step up now. I know he scored the winner the other day — hopefully that gives him the lift to get back to where he was.
“At the end of the day, if you want to earn a move, you need to do it by performing for Celtic.”
Maeda could miss Dundee clash on Sunday
Amid Mulgrew’s warning to Maeda, the Japan international missed both of his country’s games against Paraguay and Brazil this week.
The Japanese Football Association (JFA) confirmed Maeda was forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury.
However, the details of the issue are unknown at the moment, but it is expected Brendan Rodgers will clarify the situation on Friday at his press conference.
It means, at the moment, Maeda is a doubt for Dundee on Sunday as Celtic return to Scottish Premiership action.
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