Daizen Maeda is reportedly in talks regarding a move to Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic and, speaking to Sponichi, the Japan international has admitted that he would relish the prospect of another opportunity on European soil.
Unlike Kyogo Furuhashi, who is plying his trade in Europe for the very first time, Maeda instead may feel that he has a point to prove and unfinished business to, erm, finish if or when he joins his free-scoring compatriot at Parkhead in the January window.
Maeda enjoyed a brief spell at Portugueuse outfit Maritimo from 2019 to 2020. His time in the Primeira Liga came to a premature end, however, due due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.
But after plundering 23 goals in 36 games for Postecoglou’s former employers Yokohama F Marinos this term – a tally which saw Maeda finish as the J-League’s top scorer – the jet-heeled forward looks set to be offered another chance to make a name for himself in the West.
According to Sponichi, Maeda will join Celtic on loan.
The Hoops will then have the option to turn that deal into a permanent transfer to the tune of just £1.3 million.
Are Celtic going to sign Daizen Maeda?
“I never imagined this would happen,” Maeda said when securing Japan’s Golden Boot with another goal against Kawasaki Frontale on Saturday.
“When I tried (life) overseas for the first time at Maritimo, in the Portuguese first division, I returned to Japan in the summer of 2020, giving priority to the safety of my family due to the spread of the corona infection.
“The day is approaching when the words ‘I want to leave Japan and go abroad again if I have an opportunity’ will become a reality.”
Maeda, who has been labelled ‘one of the best players in the world’ by former Inter Milan ace Yuto Nagatomo, is not the only Japan-based player to have been linked with Celtic in recent weeks.
Perhaps inspired by Furuhashi’s success in the green half of Glasgow, Celtic are reportedly targeting both Reo Hatate and one-time Leeds United midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi.
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