Celtic are confident of securing the signing of Yokohama F. Marinos striker Daizen Maeda during the upcoming January transfer window.
That’s according to The Times, who claim that sources in Celtic are expecting Maeda to make the move to Parkhead in 2022.
Celtic are thought to be confident of finalising the deal well in advance of January, with the attacker now expected to be the Bhoys’ first signing of the winter window.
Who is Celtic target Daizen Maeda?
Maeda, 24, worked under Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou at Yokohama F. Marinos over in Japan.
Maeda’s record under Postecoglou is decent; 12 goals and four assists in 50 games.
The former Maritimo loanee has scored 18 times in his last 30 league outings for Yokohama F. Marinos, starring in Japan.
On the international stage, Maeda has recorded one goal in four caps for Japan.
Maeda could be another Furuhashi
It’s often lazy to compare a player to another just because they’re the same nationality.
In the case of Maeda, there are similarities.
Both are diminutive in stature and can operate out wide or up front, offering great pace and movement.
Postecoglou did suggest earlier this month that Celtic will focus on making signings from the Japanese market.
That came after Furuhashi’s success, with Celtic looking to replicate that move.
Maeda would make sense as the next signing, and it looks like Celtic are on their way to making that happen.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
