Daizen Maeda has got his wish, and he will be playing Premier League football next season.
Celtic have known since last summer that Maeda wanted to leave, with the all-action forward wanting to live his boyhood dream of playing in the English top flight.
Maeda’s transfer to Ipswich has been confirmed, with Gabby Agbonlahor claiming that it is a ‘big blow’ for Martin O’Neill’s side.
The former striker, who was coached by O’Neill at Aston Villa, added on talkSPORT that the Celtic Park faithful ‘aren’t going to be happy’ with Maeda’s exit.
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Gabby Agbonlahor questions Celtic’s call to sell Daizen Maeda for ‘£10 million’ to Ipswich Town
Shebahn Aherne: “Gabby was kicking off about Daizen Maeda leaving Celtic for £10 million to Ipswich. That is a bargain.”
Agbonlahor: “Is there a year left in his contract, though?”
Alex Crook: “That looks a good signing to me – he looks like the type of player who can score goals in the Premier League.”
Agbonlahor: “Yeah, and he’s a pest. He presses non-stop. Even at the World Cup for Japan, I thought when he played he was a threat as well.
“A shame for Celtic, though. The fans aren’t going to be happy.”
Crook: “Big blow.”
Agbonlahor: “I don’t know when the play-off game is for the Champions League. We saw this last year with Celtic; you are selling your best players, and you lose that game. You can’t afford for that to happen again.”
Agbonlahor is wrong; this is the right time for Maeda to leave
After Celtic won the domestic double last season, which Maeda perhaps played the most important part in as he went goal crazy, many felt this was the end of his chapter at Parkhead.
Not only did he have 12 months remaining on his deal, but for most of the campaign he was off colour, plus Celtic’s forward line needed a refresh.
The only issue Celtic fans will have with Maeda’s sale is the price.
At the peak of his powers, a goalscorer, and moving to the inflated, money-crazy Premier League, the club should have pushed for a higher transfer fee.
Added to that, Agbonlahor also mentioned the Champions League qualifiers, including last season’s problems and the club ‘selling your best players.’
Remember, Maeda was part of that Kairat Almaty nightmare, including missing a gilt-edged one-v-one chance in the second leg.
But most importantly, Celtic have signed Camilo Duran, and he has made an outstanding start to life in Glasgow, scoring in all three pre-season matches.
Plus, you have Kasper Hogh making his way to Celtic, in what will be a statement-like signing from the champions of Scotland.
All in all, this Maeda transfer suits all parties. He leaves on a high, and the club arguably get in better, fresher and longer-term replacements.
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