Daizen Maeda has revealed he was pushing for a move away from Celtic this summer – and had even agreed personal terms with another club – only for the transfer to be blocked by Parkhead chiefs due to the squad’s lack of depth.
In a strikingly honest interview, the Japanese forward admitted he felt ready to take the next step in his career, but Celtic refused to sanction his exit, citing an inability to strengthen elsewhere.
“I received an offer,” Maeda confirmed to Gekisaka. “I had been telling the club that I wanted to take the next step, but Celtic hadn’t been able to strengthen their squad properly, so in the end they told me they couldn’t let me go.
“Personally, I had agreed, so I wanted to take on the challenge. The national team also delayed my joining, and I asked Celtic until the last day, but it didn’t happen.”
The revelation that Maeda’s desire to leave was denied – despite a deal seemingly being in place – raises fresh questions over how Celtic managed their squad and the transfer window more broadly. It mirrors similar chaos involving Hyunjun Yang’s failed move to Birmingham, Adam Idah being pulled from a Swansea switch at the last minute just to be allowed to go, and Marco Tilio being left in limbo for weeks.
Celtic fans will rightly question the long-term value of keeping a player against his wishes, especially when Maeda turns 29 next year and his contract enters its final 12 months. This summer may have been the last chance to maximise his value.
His professionalism remains unquestioned – but the wider fallout suggests growing tensions behind the scenes, and there must be an unpleasent atmosphere in that dressing room at teh moment.
I agree! Diazen’s professionalism remains unquestioned.
However, the Celtic board’s professionalism is non-existent and leaves everything to be desired. I am thoroughly sick of the club I have been supporting for 65 years. It is time to consider my future as well.
He will be gone in January, don’t trust them at all ,stop giving them your money