Once again, Celtic will do well to escape the summer transfer window unscathed when it comes to keeping their prized assets.
After another successful campaign that included progression out of the Champions League league phase, plenty of eyes across Europe will have been on a number of Celtic players.
Over the years, Celtic have been forced into selling their star men such as Jota to Al-Ittihad in 2023 and Matt O’Riley last year to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Of course, it is part of the extremely successful player trading model at Parkhead of buy low and sell big – but fans would love to see these guys stay with the Hoops.
Stephen McGinn values Celtic star Daizen Maeda at £30m
That is no different for Daizen Maeda, who has been virtually unstoppable this season. Celtic’s Player of the Year has scored 33 goals in all competitions and could yet win his second domestic Treble.
Unfortunately, it means Maeda will have eyes on him and The Go Radio Football Show pundit Stephen McGinn thinks big clubs across Europe will have to fork out between £25-30m for the Japanese speedster.
McGinn was asked by host Rob MacLean what he thinks Maeda is worth in today’s transfer market, with the St Mirren U18s coach replying: “You’re talking the £25-30m number.
“I mean, the Bayern defenders were talking about him after the game saying ‘what an impact’. I think he must be attracting the attention of the big clubs across Europe.”
Maeda wanted by Premier League’s Leeds United
The transfer rumour mill surrounding Maeda’s future has actually already begun, with speculation linking him with Leeds United.
Leeds have just earned promotion to the Premier League having won the EFL Championship title under the leadership of Daniel Farke.
| Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | All Competitions | 22 | 8 | 5 | 1,182 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | All Competitions | 49 | 11 | 7 | 1,898 | 4 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | All Competitions | 36 | 10 | 4 | 2,049 | 4 | 0 |
| 2024–25 | All Competitions | 48 | 33 | 11 | 3,359 | 5 | 1 |
| Total | All Competitions | 122 | 50 | 21 | 8,488 | 15 | 1 |
It was reported by TBR Football writer Graeme Bailey that Leeds have been monitoring Maeda this season alongside Nicolas Kuhn and Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Maeda’s Celtic contract expires in two years so the Hoops are in a good bargaining position to command a hefty fee for the winger turned striker.
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