Former Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan believes Daizen Maeda’s current form through the middle gives the club much-needed flexibility as they weigh up their transfer options this summer.
Celtic’s Daizen Maeda and Cameron Carter-Vickers arrive at the stadium before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
With Jota ruled out for up to nine months following an ACL injury sustained during the title-clinching win at Tannadice, there’s been an expectation that Celtic would need to dip into the market for attacking reinforcements. But Sheridan says Maeda’s adaptability could allow the club to be more measured in their recruitment strategy.
Speaking about Celtic’s transfer window approach, Sheridan said on Open Goal: “Maeda gives them a good option where Celtic can wait, and if a really good striker comes up or if a really good winger comes up, they can buy whatever one is the better option.
“Then they can make a decision—they can move Maeda around, that kind of thing.”
Maeda has hit top form in recent weeks, scoring crucial goals and winning a hat-trick of honours at the club’s Player of the Year awards. He’s also just picked up a PFA Scotland Player of the Year award.
With Adam Idah also finding form, scoring a few goals in recent weeks, and Kyogo having moved on in January, Celtic’s forward line remains in a transitional phase. But Sheridan believes Maeda’s flexibility gives the club the ability to wait for the right signing rather than rushing into a move that may not fit long-term.
You’d hope Celtic have their homework done early, especially with Champions League qualifiers coming in August. Celtic will want players in early so they can settle in and get used to their surroundings, instead of running around in deadline week.
Rodgers has already made it clear that Celtic aren’t looking to stand still as he tried to freshen up the squad.
With Maeda offering reliable cover through the middle and out wide, the club now have more room to get their summer business right.
