Away from the drama at Fir Park, one man who is starting to prove his worth again for Celtic is Daizen Maeda.
Just when Celtic needed it most, Maeda is starting to showcase the form that saw him win last season’s Scottish PFA Player of the Year award.
Ever since Maeda netted at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren, he hasn’t stopped scoring during these crucial post-split fixtures, including a well-taken goal against Motherwell on Wednesday night.
But Celtic fans are aware that Maeda wanted to leave last summer, as he has now expressed to the media in his home country of Japan that he wants to live his long-time ambition of playing in the English Premier League.
“I want to take the next step and play in the Premier League, which has always been my goal,” Maeda told FootballZone. “Right now, I’m grateful to Celtic, and I’m giving it my all.
“But I haven’t seen my limits yet. The Premier League is a dream I’ve been talking about since I was a kid.”
- READ MORE: Callum McGregor declares the ‘biggest moment he’s seen’ at Celtic in Motherwell reflection
Should Celtic grant Daizen Maeda his Premier League wish?
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Daizen Maeda wants to play in the English Premier League
There were suggestions last summer that Brentford wanted to sign Maeda; there is every chance that the London club will secure European football this term, and even Champions League football.
If that happens, then Brentford will have the extra wad of money to buy someone like Maeda, that’s if the interest is still there.
Maeda has been unbelievable for Celtic since signing under Ange Postecoglou in 2022, but going by his comments, it looks and feels like he should be moved on this summer, if the right money is put on the table.
“I want to take the next step and play in the Premier League, which has always been my goal,” Maeda told FootballZone. “Right now, I’m grateful to Celtic, and I’m giving it my all.
“But I haven’t seen my limits yet. The Premier League is a dream I’ve been talking about since I was a kid. Even if it’s just for one year, I want to prove just how far my speed can take me at the highest level in the world.
“Staying injury-free and continuing to deliver results. If I can do that, the door to the Premier League and a World Cup run beyond the quarterfinals will surely come into view.
“I just keep running, believing in that. In the end, I think it’s best not to overthink things. I focus 100% on soccer when I’m on the pitch. But when I get home, I pick up my kids from school or give them a bath. That switch is just right for me right now.
“I’m different from the sharp-edged player I used to be. I believe I’m at my strongest right now.”
Maeda named in Japan’s 26-man World Cup squad
Aside from Celtic possibly winning the domestic double, another thing that could boost Maeda’s transfer price this summer is performing at this summer’s World Cup.
Japan have announced their 26-man squad, and Maeda has earned his place in the squad, but to nobody’s surprise, there is no place for Reo Hatate.
Let’s be honest, if Maeda takes his current form into the World Cup, and Japan surprises a few people, then that Premier League dream might become a reality for Celtic’s all-action forward.
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