Liverpool and Arsenal are among a host of Premier League clubs showing interest in Celtic star Daizen Maeda, TBR Football can exclusively reveal.
Maeda joined Celtic from Yokohama F. Marinos in 2022, one of Ange Postecoglou’s success stories in Scotland.
The 27-year-old left-winger, who is also able to operate centrally, has always impressed at Celtic Park alongside the likes of compatriot Kyogo Furuhasi.
However, Maeda has arguably taken his game to another level since Kyogo’s departure in the summer, scoring 33 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions.
Current boss Brendan Rodgers has indicated that the club are ready to enter talks over a new contract with Maeda, whose current deal expires in 2027.
However, Maeda’s future might be away from Glasgow.
Premier League sides showing interest in Celtic’s Daizen Maeda
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Maeda is emerging as a target for a number of Premier League clubs.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have all watched the Celtic forward this year and it’s hard to imagine that the Japan international hasn’t impressed.
READ MORE: Liverpool ready to give new contract to star who Virgil van Dijk called ‘flawless’
Four of Maeda’s goals have come in the Champions League this season, including a strike against Bayern Munich in Celtic’s narrow knockout stage defeat.
And in addition to the English sides mentioned, Aston Villa, Brentford, Fulham, Crystal Palace, West Ham United and newly-promoted Leeds United have also watched Maeda.
It’s understood that Maeda might be available for around £25m this summer — a similar fee to the deal that saw Matt O’Riley join Brighton & Hove Albion.
Daizen Maeda makes ‘difficult’ comment about Celtic future
Speaking to Sky Sports about his Celtic future recently, Maeda confessed that he wasn’t certain what the future will hold.
Asked if he saw Celtic as his club long-term, Maeda responded: “Well, I’m not sure. That’s a difficult question.
“While I’m here, I always want to fight and play for Celtic. I want to keep focusing and playing for the team.”
READ MORE: Liverpool and Chelsea target now available for £40m after drop in asking price
It’s therefore hard to imagine that Maeda wouldn’t listen to an offer from the Premier League, should one arrive.
A superb talent and one who Rodgers would clearly be loath to lose.
But perhaps Maeda could be ready for a move to England in the prime years of his career, a left-winger who looks equipped to contribute goals at any level.
