Turkish transfer reports have reignited speculation around Daizen Maeda, with Trabzonspor once again linked to the Celtic winger as they look to reshape their attacking options.

Trabzon based outlet Taka Gazete claims the Süper Lig side want to inject more pace and end product into their frontline and have shortlisted Maeda alongside Stade de Reims winger Keito Nakamura. The report says Trabzonspor manager Fatih Tekke has approved initial checks on both players, with the club now assessing whether any move makes financial sense.

From a Hoops perspective, the interest lands differently than it would have twelve months ago. Maeda was open to leaving Glasgow during the summer window, with sources close to the situation suggesting he felt the timing was right for a new challenge. That exit never materialised, largely because Celtic were unable to line up a suitable replacement late in the window, leaving them little choice but to retain him.

Maeda is under contract until 2027, giving Celtic firm control over any discussions. Taka Gazete reports his market value at around €14 million and suggests Celtic would expect a fee in that region before even considering talks. Trabzonspor’s scouting department are said to have tracked Maeda for a long time, but the scale of the deal means it will only progress if the financial structure works for them.

On the pitch, Maeda continues to justify Celtic’s stance. He has seven goals and six assists from 26 appearances this season, while still delivering the relentless pressing and positional flexibility that managers value so highly.

Trabzonspor are not placing all their focus on Maeda. Nakamura, valued closer to €8 million and tied to Reims until 2028, is viewed as a more attainable alternative. That contrast highlights why Maeda is being assessed cautiously rather than aggressively pursued.

Further detail comes from local outlet Kuzey Ekspres, which confirms Trabzonspor are specifically targeting a left sided attacker and have added Maeda to a broader shortlist. The report says the Turkish club plan to contact Celtic to understand the conditions of any potential deal before deciding whether to proceed. It also claims Maeda has attracted interest from Everton, Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş, although there is no indication that any formal approaches have been made.

The arrival of new head coach Wilfried Nancy adds another layer. He is understood to be keen to keep Maeda through January, fully aware of his importance to the squad and the disruption a mid season sale would cause. With limited time to recruit and integrate replacements, Celtic are expected to resist any approach unless the offer is simply too good to refuse.

As things stand, this feels more like renewed external interest than an imminent transfer. The club blocked a summer exit for practical reasons, and those same realities remain in play. Unless Trabzonspor are prepared to meet Celtic’s valuation, Maeda looks set to stay put.