Daizen Maeda Makes Another Celtic Exit Hint

Daizen Maeda has admitted he wants to test himself against “top-level players” amid growing uncertainty surrounding his Celtic future.

The Japanese forward has just completed arguably the finest spell of form of his entire Celtic career, dragging Martin O’Neill’s side towards a dramatic domestic double with a stunning run of goals during the closing weeks of the season.

Maeda scored in each of Celtic’s final seven matches, producing nine goals and two assists as the Hoops somehow overturned Hearts in the title race before beating Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup Final.

But despite becoming one of the defining figures of the campaign, his long-term future in Glasgow remains very much uncertain.

The 28-year-old came extremely close to leaving Celtic for Wolfsburg last summer, with the move progressing so far that his locker had already been emptied before the deal collapsed due to Celtic being unable to secure a replacement.

Now, with only one year remaining on his contract and interest expected again this summer, there is a growing feeling Maeda could move on.

That speculation intensified further after his emotional comments to supporters following the Scottish Cup victory, where many fans interpreted his words as a possible farewell message.

And speaking to Japanese football show KiCK OFF! KANSAI!, Maeda again hinted at his desire to challenge himself at the highest level.

Reflecting on his Celtic journey and looking ahead towards the World Cup, he said:

“I’ve had a lot of different experiences in the last four years.

“I’m more confident that I can do it than I was four years ago.

“It was my goal to win the championship [in Scotland], but the World Cup is not that easy.

“It’s important to win each match one by one.”

Discussing his future ambitions, Maeda then added:

“There are top-level players and I think I can compete with.”

Maeda has become almost impossible to replace stylistically, with his pressing, pace and relentless work-rate central to the way O’Neill’s side finished the season.

And after finally rediscovering his ruthless edge in front of goal, losing him now would feel like a huge blow heading into another Champions League qualifying campaign.