The forward has been in top form for the Hoops this season – and looks to be attracting admirers with the summer window fast approaching
In-form Daizen Maeda has clamped speculation over his Celtic future after facing questions over joining a “top five” league in the summer.
The 27-year-old is in the midst of his most impressive season since making his move to Celtic Park back in 2022 – with Ange Postecoglou taking him from his former side to Yokohama F. Marinos.
Maeda has netted 29 goals so far this season under Brendan Rodgers while being deployed on the wing and as a central striker.
That form as seen him linked with a move away from the Scottish Premiership leaders – with Postecoglou’s Tottenham touted as a potential destination.
But the man himself doesn’t appear in any rush to leave Celtic off he back of an impressive season.
Speaking to Japanese media on his form for the Hoops, he said: “The results are the result of all the hard work I’ve put in up until now.
“Up until now, I’ve been in the mix, but the ball just hasn’t come to me, so now it feels like the ball is coming to me. I haven’t really made any changes.
“Now I can be part of the national team but I think in a year things can change a lot so in order to win this competition I want to do well against Saudi Arabia.
“I have scored a few goals at home so it will be important to keep doing that and focus on results with the national team.
“I need to achieve more and more results with my own team and keep aiming higher. That’s where it all starts.”
The forward was then pressed on the prospect of joining a “top five league” in the summer – either the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1 or Serie A – and the risk of not playing regularly heading into the World Cup.
Speaking to Tokyo Sports, he said: “I don’t think about whether I can’t play for the team I go to or not, I just fight for the team I am with and that’s all I want to do. I think it would be good if I can do that.”
Maeda was left on the bench for Japan’s first World Cup qualifier of the international double header against Bahrain after suffering from a bruised leg following the Hoops’ derby defeat to Rangers.
The forward undertook his own individual programme – but insists he is now ready for game time against Saudi Arabia.
He said: “The injury till feels fresh, but I think I am ready. I was able to join the national team smoothly.
“I am in very good shape at the moment, and I am very much looking forward to the upcoming game against Saudi Arabia.
