Daizen Maeda’s future at Celtic has become one of the biggest talking points heading into the summer, and Martin O’Neill’s latest comments probably did little to calm the nerves around the support.
The Celtic manager openly admitted after the Scottish Cup Final that he would struggle to stand in Maeda’s way if a Premier League opportunity arrived during the transfer window.
That comes after Maeda himself previously admitted playing in England remains a personal ambition.
The timing feels important because Maeda finished the season as Celtic’s most decisive attacking player. Once the title race tightened, O’Neill increasingly relied on him to stretch games physically and drag the team up the pitch when performances became tense.
No other forward in the squad replicated that properly.
Even in matches where Celtic struggled creatively, Maeda’s movement still forced defensive lines deeper. His pressing also changed the entire shape of games. Opponents could not comfortably build attacks because he constantly chased lost causes and forced rushed clearances high up the pitch.
That became obvious again during the Scottish Cup Final against Dunfermline.
Maeda’s opening goal settled Celtic after a nervous start and his work without the ball remained relentless long after the game drifted away from Neil Lennon’s side. Supporters responded to that connection after full-time with banners and chants around Hampden as speculation over his future continues building.
O’Neill knows exactly how difficult replacing that profile would be.
The Celtic manager spoke honestly about the situation after the final.
He said: (BBC Sportscene), “I said in an interview, was it pre-match, that if he did go, I think he made some reference to the fact that he said he loved to play in the Premier League.
“Who doesn’t at the end of the day?
“And seriously, the way he has played for us, if that opportunity came, well, I hope it doesn’t, but if it came, it’d be hard to stand in his way if that’s the case. He’s deserved it.
“He’s been fantastic here at this football club. Absolutely (loved by Celtic fans).”
Managers often protect their negotiating position publicly when important players are linked away. O’Neill instead sounded realistic about the situation and fully aware why Premier League clubs would look closely at Maeda after the season he has produced.
Celtic now face a difficult decision if serious offers arrive.
Maeda remains one of the few attackers in the squad capable of completely changing the tempo and physical intensity of matches through sheer work rate alone. Replacing goals is possible. Replacing everything else he brings is simply impossible.
Totally confident he will leave…He is MARMITE for me…Sometimes loved…sometimes not so much…But he goes with best wishes and thanks for his service.
has been a consistant player ever since he came here, you cant fault his work rate and finishing, our rivals will be happy to see the back of him because thats the only view they have had of him this season.i hope you get your dream move to the premier league. you deserve it!