Daizen Maeda’s future at Celtic is drifting back into the spotlight, and the latest comments from the Japan international only add to the feeling that a January departure is edging closer.

After months of frustration surrounding his blocked summer move and continued interest from clubs in England and Germany, the forward has now spoken honestly about his situation for both club and country.

Celtic had previously turned down multiple offers and convinced Maeda to stay, but his form, position change and clear desire for a new challenge have kept the story alive. His own admission that he wanted to take the next step, only for Celtic to hold him back due to a lack of replacements, has hung over this season.

Now, Maeda has offered fresh insight while on international duty, highlighting how he is being used at Celtic and expressing uncertainty about his starting place for Japan ahead of next year’s World Cup. It adds another layer to a situation already complicated by Celtic’s failed search for attacking reinforcements.

He said: (TCW), “Right now with Celtic, I’m playing in a position that’s not my natural position on the team, on the right wing.

“But I am not in bad shape and I managed to score in our last game.

“I felt it was really important for me to be in this camp because I missed the last one and the next one isn’t until March and we have a World Cup coming up.

“Personally, I honestly feel like it’s going to be tough for me to make the starting line-up. But I am happy to try and make an impact as a substitute if need be.

“I’ve been discussing my role with the coach Hajime Moriyasu and I am ready to play if I am called upon.”

Maeda’s comments couldn’t come at a trickier time for Celtic. The club expect bids in January, and the fact he’s been pushed out of his natural position only adds to the feeling that a change might be on the way.

Soccer Football – UEFA Europa League – Celtic v S.C. Braga – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – October 2, 2025 Celtic’s Daizen Maeda looks dejected after S.C. Braga’s Ricardo Horta scores their first goal REUTERS/Scott Heppell

You can hear in his comments that he’s trying to stay professional, but he also knows things aren’t as settled for him as they used to be. He’s still giving everything, just not hiding the reality of the situation.

Celtic already knew he wanted to move on in the summer, and nothing he’s said now hints that he’s changed his mind.

With the window getting closer, the club will need to decide whether to dig in again or finally let him take the next step he’s been asking for.