After four and a half years of blistering pace, spectacular goals, and unwavering commitment, Daizen Maedaâs time at Celtic appears to be over. The jet-heeled Japanese forward is expected to make his final appearance in a Celtic shirt this afternoon in the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline at Hampden. What makes this moment even more poignant is that the 28-year-old has repeatedly expressed his desire to stay at the club heâs grown to love â but footballâs harsh realities have dictated otherwise.
This departure has been on the cards for some time. Celtic Quarter Note (CQN) forecast it six months ago, and now Martin OâNeill has all but confirmed the news. The Irish legend, speaking with his trademark honesty, admitted that if a Premier League opportunity arises for Maeda, he wouldnât stand in his way. After everything the player has delivered, it feels like a fitting, if bittersweet, send-off.
From Bargain Buy to Cult Hero
When Celtic signed Daizen Maeda from Yokohama F. Marinos for a modest ÂŁ1 million in January 2022, few could have predicted the impact he would make. At the time, he was seen as a squad addition â a versatile attacker with raw speed and work rate. Fast forward to today, and Maeda has evolved into one of the most exciting players in Scottish football.
His big moment to shine came in January 2025 when Kyogo Furuhashi, his international teammate, departed for a ÂŁ10 million move to French club Rennes. Maeda stepped up seamlessly, shifting from his usual left-wing role to lead the line. The results were remarkable. He fired in 18 goals during a campaign that saw him contribute to a staggering 33 strikes overall, playing a pivotal role in Celtic securing a fourth consecutive Premiership title.
The numbers donât lie. In the crucial post-split period, Maeda delivered seven goals in just five Premiership outings. His pace terrorised defenders, his movement created chaos, and his finishing â often clinical, sometimes spectacular â became a hallmark. One moment that will live long in the memory is his mid-air marvel: an overhead kick that soared into the net against Rangers, sealing a 3-1 victory at Parkhead earlier this month.
Fans will also remember his salute to the supporters after the title-sealing 3-1 win over Hearts last weekend. âFarewell to Paradiseâ â the banner writes itself.
The Summer That Almost Was
Last summer, Maeda came agonisingly close to a ÂŁ14 million move to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg. Negotiations had advanced significantly, only for Celticâs hierarchy to block the deal in the final stages. At the time, many supporters were relieved. Maeda had become a key part of the squad, and losing him would have left a massive hole.
But that near-exit planted the seed. With his contract now set to expire next summer, the writing has been on the wall. Maeda has made it clear that a move to the Premier League is his dream. Speaking through OâNeill, the playerâs ambitions are obvious: he wants to test himself at the highest level.
âDaizen has said that if he could get a chance to play in the Premier League, he would want to. I certainly wouldnât stop him. There will be a queue of clubs down there wanting him now after this recent spell. If I was around, I wouldnât stop Daizen from going. He deserves it. He has paid his dues at this football club â massively.â
The former Celtic boss went further, describing Maedaâs last seven weeks as âabsolutely Larssonesque.â High praise indeed, comparing him to the legendary Henrik Larsson. OâNeill added:
âHe has been the galvanising drive for us. He has been amazing. Daizen started to score the goals and the boy grabbed the whole thing.â
These arenât just empty compliments. They reflect a player who has consistently delivered when called upon.
A Trophy Cabinet to Be Proud Of
In his time at Celtic, Daizen Maeda has won nine major honours: five league titles, two Scottish Cups, and two League Cups. Thatâs an impressive haul for any player, let alone one who arrived as a relatively unknown quantity.
His work ethic has always stood out. Never one to shirk a defensive duty, Maeda would track back as willingly as he surged forward. That attitude endeared him to the Celtic faithful. Parkhead has a long history of embracing players who âget it,â and Maeda undoubtedly did.
Even in his shifted role this season, he adapted without complaint. The goals dried up for others at times, but Maedaâs contribution remained constant. His speed on the break turned games, and his aerial ability â showcased in that stunning overhead kick â added another dimension to his game.
What Does the Future Hold?
With interest expected from the Premier League, Maeda is likely to command a healthy transfer fee this summer. Clubs looking for proven goal threats with Premier League-ready attributes will circle. His pace, directness, and experience in high-pressure environments make him an attractive proposition.
For Celtic, this represents both loss and opportunity. Losing a player of Maedaâs calibre is never easy, especially one who has contributed so heavily to recent success. However, it also opens up space for new signings and squad evolution under the current regime.
The timing of todayâs Scottish Cup final feels poetic. A chance for Maeda to bow out in style at Hampden, potentially lifting silverware one last time in green and white. Win or lose, the occasion will be emotional. Supporters are already preparing tributes, and social media has been flooded with appreciation posts highlighting his best moments.
Legacy Beyond the Goals
Maedaâs impact goes beyond statistics. In an era where football can feel increasingly transactional, he represented something authentic. A player who arrived with quiet determination and left everything on the pitch. His journey from Japanese football to becoming a Celtic hero is a reminder of the beautiful unpredictability of the game.
He helped bridge gaps during transitional periods, stepped up when star names departed, and maintained professionalism throughout. That consistency is rare.
As negotiations for his departure edge closer to completion, Celtic fans will reflect on a player who gave his all. From the bargain signing to the near-miss with Wolfsburg, through title wins and cup triumphs, Maedaâs story at Parkhead has been a success.
Thank you, Daizen.
For everything. For the goals, the sprints, the overhead kicks, and the passion. Paradise will miss your energy, but we canât wait to see what you achieve next.
Whether itâs in the Premier League or elsewhere, one thing is certain â the boy who âgrabbed the whole thingâ will be remembered fondly at Celtic Park.