Yokohama F Marinos striker Daizen Maeda has confirmed that he’s “aware” of recent transfer links amidst the current Celtic speculation.
Maeda has had a fine campaign in the J-League with 18 goals to his name for the season. He’s currently the top scorer in Japanese football after the departure of Kyogo Furuhashi from Vissel Kobe to Parkhead earlier this term.
It looks as though Celtic could be about to pluck from Japan once more then. The Times reported last week that Ange Postecoglou is confident of landing Maeda from his former club in January.
And Maeda has now admitted that he is indeed aware of the speculation as he refused to be drawn on it.
As quoted by Japanese outlet Sportiva Shueisha, Maeda said: “I know about the reports, but my job is just to concentrate on playing and hopefully scoring goals for Yokohama. I am trying not to think too much about the speculation.
“I always think I can score goals in any match and that’s all I am thinking about at the moment. I am trying to get into the Japan team for the World Cup qualifiers too. Of course, if I keep scoring goals then good things will happen.
“It’s nice to be told about my speed. I wasn’t aware of any records until the fans here pointed it out to me.”
Daizen Maeda to Celtic would spell interesting news on several counts
If Celtic were to secure Maeda, it would certainly be an interesting move. Just as much as it would be an exciting one in truth.
Firstly, would it mean that Ange could potentially move to a 2-striker system more often? He’s yet to do it once in a competitive game for the Hoops. However, he simply hasn’t had 3 reliable options from which to choose from since he joined. With Kyogo, Maeda, and Giorgos Giakoumakis, those options would certainly be strengthening.
In addition to that, you have to wonder what any move would mean for Albian Ajeti. The Swiss forward has had countless opportunities to shine for Celtic this season. He hasn’t taken them. Considering that’s followed a frustrating debut campaign for him last term, he’s becoming difficult to back.
But it isn’t as easy as simply selling him. Firstly, you need a buyer, and there won’t be many of those given the form the Swiss international has been in. You then need that specific buyer to reach your asking price. Celtic splashed out £5m on the player [Sky Sports], even if we make a loss on him, the club won’t want it to be substantial.
Then you would have to ask how Ange would fit all 3 strikers into his system. Who would be his first choice? Questions the manager would need to answer.
For now, it’s nothing more than speculation. But Maeda looks ready to take the next step, just like Kyogo did earlier this summer.
In other news, Hibernian boss Jack Ross believes he has Celtic sussed out ahead of Wednesday
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