Daizen Maeda has spoken of his pride after winning the J-League’s Golden Boot amid reports suggesting that Yokohama F Marinos star is set to join Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic in the January transfer window, speaking to Nikkan Sports.
When you consider that Kyogo Furuhashi never claimed the top scorer award during four seasons in Japan’s top flight, failing to break the 20-goal barrier in any of those campaigns, it’s tempting to wonder whether Celtic are about to sign a player who could emulate – or even exceed – his impact on the green half of Glasgow.
Maeda is expected to join on a short-term loan deal, one that Celtic can turn into a permanent transfer to the tune of £1.3 million.
And if the jet-heeled forward played his final game for Yokohama F Marinos on Saturday, then he certainly signed off in style.
He scored his 23rd goal of a remarkable campaign.
“I thought I could (secure the top scorer award) with about three games left,” Maeda sighs, his releif palpable.
“But (Leandro) Damiao (Kawasaki Frontale striker) was catching up with great momentum. I thought it was terrible! I am honoured to have the top scorer (award).”
Will Daizen Maeda join Kyogo Furuhashi at Celtic?
According to Yahoo Japan, Maeda has made the decision to join Furuhashi at Celtic in the New Year, with negotiations understood to be ‘in full swing’.
It remains to be seen how Maeda will fit into Postecoglou’s system. He has shone as a left-winger for most of this term but, at Celtic, that is a position currently occupied by the mesmerising Filipe Jota.
The Japan international is also capable of shining in a more central role, though compatriot Kyogo has been at his most effective as a roving number nine since joining from Vissel Kobe in a £4.6 million deal last July.
Maeda will, however, add some much-needed depth to a Celtic squad looking to compete on a number of fronts in 2022.
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