Daizen Maeda’s recent comments have rocked the club’s fans and hierarchy alike.
The forward, who is the club’s reigning player of the year, made a bombshell revelation when he said that he wanted to leave Celtic Park in the recent summer transfer window.
Brendan Rodgers now faces a period with one of his best players publicly unsettled, in an area where his options are not at the level he would like.
Nicolas Kuhn departed Celtic for Como this summer after 18 months in Glasgow, a move which was a likely factor in the club’s decision not to let Maeda go.
Hoops fans were surprised to see another key attacker follow him out the door when Adam Idah made a shock move to Swansea – but for one former goalkeeper, Maeda was just too important.
Daizen Maeda has been off it for Celtic, former goalkeeper says
Maeda’s form so far this season hasn’t quite been at the standards that he set during the last campaign.
The forward missed a decisive shootout penalty in Celtic’s shock defeat to Kairat Almaty – he also missed one-on-one opportunities in both legs of the tie.
For former Celtic man Alan Rough, his form has played a part in his transfer promise not being kept.
Speaking on the PLZ Soccer Football Podcast, he said: “He has been off it, there’s no doubt about that. When there’s something like that on the go, some players do better than others.
“It’s obviously put him off his game – the reason he came to Celtic was to make a move and step to England. We hear that most of them come to move onto a bigger club, he’s obviously set his heart on that.
“If you’ve got a promise, you’ve got to honour it. He’s obviously been promised it, if a reasonable bid comes in. He’s just unfortunate that it’s come at the wrong time.”
For many Celtic fans, the recently revealed situation will explain a lot of the rough form Maeda has been going through, particularly in the wake of a lack of investment in forward areas.
Daizen Maeda’s form essential to Celtic’s upcoming results
Regardless of how unsettled he is, Maeda has grown into a hugely important tactical role in Celtic’s attack and will have to continue playing it.
The signings of Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Tounekti have added to the Hoops’ forward options, but the Japan star’s pace and energy are unique.
As well as excelling domestically, Maeda made his mark on the European stage, racking up four goals in last season’s Champions League campaign.
Whilst he will have to make do with the Europa League for now, Maeda’s work-rate and application will be essential for Celtic’s fortunes for as long as he is at the club.
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