Celtic fans have been boosted by the news that Daizen Maeda wants to stay at the club, but with a caveat.
The Japanese striker was thought to be on his way out as Maeda reportedly cleared his belongings from Celtic in the summer as a transfer move beckoned.
It was also rumoured that Maeda could make a Celtic exit in January as sources close to the player revealed that there is still ‘strong interest’ being felt in the winger/striker.
Will Daizen Maeda score another goal against Hearts?
However, it appears that a January move may not be in the offing as journalist Stephen McGowan reveals the Celtic star has shown his intentions for the upcoming winter transfer window.
Daizen Maeda ‘willing’ to stay at Celtic until the World Cup
Celtic fans were almost resigned to losing Maeda this January after the rumour of a summer exit turned out to be true, until the club vetoed the move.
And it seems that Maeda will stay at Parkhead but only until after the World Cup next summer.
McGowan said in The Herald, “While Daizen Maeda has now indicated a willingness to stay until the World Cup is over, Kelechi Iheanacho’s latest hamstring issue shows why Celtic still need options in attack and plan to sign players capable of fitting into Nancy’s system.”
With Wilfried Nancy coming under intense pressure, at least this piece of news will bring some solace to the Celtic manager who, in all likelihood, may not even be in the position come summer.
Daizen Maeda’s Celtic record
Maeda is a player who frustrates a lot of Celtic supporters but there is no denying that he has been crucial to the club’s success since his arrival in 2022.
Should Celtic pull out all the stops to keep Daizen Maeda after the World Cup? Let us know in the comments.
Here is what the Japan international has achieved:
- Appearances: 182
- Goals: 68
- Assists: 33
- Silverware: 4 x Scottish Premiership titles, 2 x Scottish Cups, 2 x League Cups
If Maeda does leave in the summer, he will go with the blessings and best wishes of the vast majority of Celtic supporters.
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