Daizen Maeda is currently fighting Japan’s cause at this summer’s World Cup.
But that doesn’t mean that Maeda’s Celtic future still isn’t a topic of discussion, as Japan have made it to the knockout stages of the tournament.
Many Celtic supporters feel that Maeda will leave this summer, but he has provided fans with a bit of hope by telling the media at the World Cup that he wants to ‘continue doing my best in Scotland.’
If the all-action forward, whose current deal at Celtic Park expires in 2027, were to head for the exit door, he would leave with the blessing of the champions of Scotland.
But if Maeda stays put, for whatever reason, then those in the Parkhead boardroom simply can’t use it as an excuse when trying to rebuild the squad this summer.
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Celtic need wholesale changes in attack, even if Daizen Maeda stays
The issue with the Celtic board is that if you give them any kind of excuse, they will use it, run with it and paper over as many cracks as they can.
Yes, Celtic won the domestic double last season, but it still doesn’t mean that wholesale changes aren’t needed in the forward areas.
Some fans are already worried that the powers that be are going to use that as an excuse to penny-pinch once again, because, as many have seen, those in suits are experts at that.
What you absolutely want to avoid is a situation where Maeda stays put beyond this summer, only for the Celtic board to then decide against flooding the frontline with, at the very least, five new attacking recruits.
As many are seeing with the Marcelo Saracchi situation. Celtic want him back, and the player wants to return.
Instead of stumping up the cash for Saracchi’s services, Celtic are seemingly intent on bringing him back on yet another loan. It’s no secret what the true motive is: saving the board a few extra pounds.
Imagine what they would try if Maeda decided to stay?!
Maeda is a Celtic legend, whatever happens…
Celtic fans will be forever grateful towards Ange Postecoglou for dipping into that Japan market and bringing in players who now have a legacy at the club.
Yes, for most of the recent campaign, something was off with Maeda, but even then, he turned it on during the post-split fixtures, scoring in every game, including a crazy overhead kick against Rangers, and guiding Celtic to yet another title.
If that is Maeda’s final bow in the famous green and white colours, then he leaves a legend of the club, and one of the most entertaining players to watch on his day.
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