Daizen Maeda Urges Celtic Lower Asking Price Amid Ipswich Talks

By
Michael Shearer
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Celtic FC Japanese Winger Daizen Maeda
30th November 2025; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Daizen Maeda of Celtic

Daizen Maeda has made another clear statement about his future after joking that he wants his reported transfer valuation lowered to make a move easier.

The Celtic attacker appeared on Japanese television programme Sunday PUSH Sports, where he was asked about reports placing his value between approximately ¥3.2 billion and ¥4.3 billion.

23rd May 2026; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Final Football, Celtic versus Dunfermline; Daizen Maeda of Celtic with the trophy

Rather than welcoming the rising figures, Maeda pointed out that a higher price could make it more difficult for him to secure the move he wants.

He said: “Make it lower. If it goes down, it becomes easier to transfer. Don’t raise it.”

The answer was delivered in a light-hearted manner, but it will still attract attention at Celtic after Maeda repeatedly made clear that playing in the Premier League remains a major ambition.

He also said: “Playing in the Premier League has been a dream of mine for a long time, so I feel I need to keep working harder to get there.”

There can now be little doubt about Maeda’s preferred next step. The Japan international has not named a particular club, but his comments come amid reports that Ipswich Town have opened discussions with Celtic over a possible transfer.

23rd May 2026; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Final Football, Celtic versus Dunfermline; Daizen Maeda of Celtic waves goodbye to the Celtic fans

Neither Celtic nor Ipswich have publicly confirmed a bid, and there has been no indication that an agreement has been reached.

Maeda’s contract situation leaves Celtic with a difficult decision. He has entered the final year of his current deal, meaning the club must weigh his importance to Martin O’Neill’s side against the risk of his value dropping further as the season progresses.

That does not mean Celtic should accept an offer below their valuation. Maeda remains one of the most influential players in the squad, offering goals, relentless pressing and the flexibility to play through the middle or from the left.

His latest comments may, however, strengthen the position of any interested club. Maeda is openly discussing the possibility of leaving and has now joked that he would prefer a lower asking price to help that happen.

The tone was playful, but the message behind it was difficult to miss. Maeda wants his Premier League opportunity, and Celtic may soon have to decide what figure would persuade them to grant it.

4 COMMENTS

  4. No either see out the contract or Celtic are entitled to ask for whatever they see fit. Mr Maeda signed the contract. The obligation is on him not Celtic.

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