Daizen Maeda sent shockwaves around the Celtic fanbase after admitting he was close to leaving the club.
Maeda revealed he had agreed a deal with an unnamed team before the Hoops blocked the transfer as they were unable to find a replacement.
The striker has teased a move away from Celtic in the past but is still at the club and is expected to be in contention to face Kilmarnock on Sunday.
Before that, Brendan Rodgers and the Japan international need to decide on their next steps.
Brendan Rodgers and Daizen Maeda set for showdown talks
Rodgers and Maeda can both admit that they have no idea where their future lies but for now, all focus is on keeping the latter at Parkhead as long as possible.
According to the Scottish Sun, talks between the two will take place when the 27-year-old returns from international duty to convince him to stay.
All of the talk around Maeda’s future is seemingly having an effect on his current game.
After sweeping up at the SFA awards and scoring 33 goals, the Hoops talisman has only scored once while also missing some glorious chances in the Champions League qualifier against Kairat Almaty.
Is there another reason for Daizen Maeda’s struggles?
While there are concerns that Maeda is being distracted by a move away, there could easily be another explanation.
Since joining the Bhoys from Yokohama Marinos, the forward has been an ever-present for pretty much the whole duration.
Playing that much football is bound to take its toll at some point and shades of tiredness could finally be creeping in for the main man.
Regardless of his situation, Maeda isn’t someone who downs tools and he will be back to his best soon.
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