Martin O’Neill has revealed that Daizen Maeda previously turned down a new deal at Celtic.
There had been speculation around talks last season and O’Neill has now confirmed an offer was placed in front of the forward, but never signed.
Maeda had just come off a strong campaign, winning multiple player of the year awards after 33 goals and was attracting interest, most notably from VfL Wolfsburg.
That move ultimately fell through, but O’Neill suggested it had an impact on the player.
Now, the situation remains unresolved and Maeda is entering the final year of his contract this summer, meaning Celtic face a familiar decision – extend or sell.
Speaking on the contract situation, the interim Celtic manager said:
“I think there were contract talks with him… was it last August time or was it the time before that? I do know that there were talks and there was a contract in front of him, which he didn’t sign at the time,” he said to the Herald.
“I don’t know the position now. Wolfsburg were coming in for him and it didn’t materialise. I think obviously he became a bit despondent because it was a chance for him to play in the Bundesliga.
“So that didn’t happen. Maybe his head was all over the place for a while, but he has certainly settled down.
“But in terms of what’s happening in the future, I don’t know.”
The gaffer has already admitted that Maeda will likely be sold in the summer and the club will cash in on him.
It does raise concerns about the business model. Celtic should have sold him last summer, when interest was at its peak, and he had come off a great season with superb numbers.
Instead, the club had no replacement lined up and they had to block a move, leaving the player unsettled heading into this campaign.
It’s a big summer ahead for Celtic. Maeda won’t be the only first-team star leaving.
