‘Absolutely ridiculous’ – Chris Sutton responds to what he’s hearing about Celtic star Daizen Maeda

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Daizen Maeda is Celtic’s most important player.

The Japanese speedster scored 31 goals last season across all competitions and was vital in Celtic’s domestic Double success.

Maeda scooped up every player of the year award available to him, and Celtic fans will be desperate for him to replicate that same form this campaign.

Brentford have been linked with signing Maeda, while Fenerbahce were also said to be preparing a bid in June. Thankfully, those rumours have died down.

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Sutton stresses Maeda simply cannot be sold by Celtic

Yet, there is still talk that Maeda could be sold if a massive bid lands in Celtic’s inbox before the end of the current transfer window.

But Chris Sutton has demanded Celtic not to give in to any offer for the 27-year-old, even if one was worth a whopping £75m.

Writing in his Daily Record column, Sutton said: “Some people call the transfer window the silly season with all the rumours and speculation flying around.

“But any talk of Daizen Maeda being sold by Celtic might be the silliest suggestion of the lot. It would be absolutely ridiculous to even entertain any notion of letting the attacker go right now.

“I don’t care what anyone says about the Celtic model or the prospect of a big money bid. Maeda simply cannot be allowed to depart right now. For any money.

“Even if it’s crazy cash – £75m wouldn’t cut it. Honestly. That might sound like I’ve lost my marbles but I’m serious.

“Celtic wouldn’t be losing just one player. Maeda’s versatility would mean they would be saying goodbye to at least two – and that’s at a time when they are already down to the bare bones in the front areas.

“There are some who say he’s 27-year-old, he has two years left on his deal and this might be the time to cash in. That would be fine if there were two replacements already lined up.”

Celtic selling Maeda would level playing field for Rangers

Celtic already need reinforcements in attacking areas, with at least two wingers and arguably another striker required.

So to sell Maeda would be catastrophic, even if the Hoops did sign in positions aforementioned before the end of the transfer window.

Maeda is such a huge asset to this Celtic team, and his departure would really give Rangers a better chance of winning the Scottish Premiership title.