Daizen Maeda, unfortunately for Celtic fans, is a man in demand this summer.
The Japanese machine was incredible for the Hoops last season as he plundered 33 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions.
Maeda deservedly won Celtic’s Player of the Year award, as well as hoovering up numerous other individual gongs.
The 27-year-old addressed his desire to score even more goals next season, although did not exactly specify where that would be.
Fenerbahce have shortlisted Maeda and were preparing a bid of over €10m, but a separate Turkish report stated at least £25m will be needed for Celtic to sell.
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked again despite the sacking of Ange Postecoglou, as 67 Hail Hail learns that there’s in fact plenty of Premier League interest in the attacker.
Celtic star Maeda is on Brentford’s transfer shortlist
67 Hail Hail and our transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey understand that Fenerbahce are indeed one of Maeda’s potential suitors this summer.
We can also confirm that Tottenham have monitored Maeda, while the Japanese star is also currently on the transfer radar of Brentford.
Bailey added there’s more chance of Maeda being sold this summer than fellow Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn, but the Hoops won’t let both leave.
Bailey exclusively told 67 Hail Hail: “I’m told that Maeda is a name that’s come up at Fenerbahce, like Marcus Tavernier and a few others. It underlines the fact they’re looking for a winger.
“I think Maeda is quite a special player to be fair. I think Maeda is one of those players who when he gets to England – which I think he might – people will be like, ‘why on Earth didn’t we sign this player two years ago?’.
“He is on Brentford’s radar. Tottenham have looked at Maeda as well at points. There’s an awful lot of teams who have looked at Maeda but just haven’t pulled the trigger.
“I do think that he’s more likely to go than Nicolas Kuhn, from what I’m told. Kuhn had a good start, but he tailed off a little bit. Obviously Celtic are not going to let them both go.
“From what I understand, it’s more likely Maeda leaves, and I think he is looking at it.
“He’s got some big clubs after him, Fenerbahce obviously being one. I think the Saudi Pro League enquired as well, he was on their long list. But there is Premier League interest there in Maeda.”
What Celtic’s Maeda said about his future
Speaking at an event held by his former club Mito HollyHock, guest of honour Maeda thanked Celtic and his teammates for his incredible 2024/25.
But he stopped short over confirming where he would be scoring goals beyond the summer transfer window.
He said: “I was in great form this season, both personally and so were the team. So I’d like to keep it going next season.
“I am who I am because of my team, Celtic. I’d like to thank my teammates and, above all, my family for supporting me so far.
“I’d be happy if I could score more goals next season. I hope the number of goals will continue to increase.”
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