Premier League strugglers Southampton plan to scout Japan international Daizen Maeda during Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final clash with Kilmarnock later this January, according to Football Scotland.
From Virgil van Dijk to Fraser Forster, Victor Wanyama to Stuart Armstrong, Southampton have made a habit of signing some of Celtic’s brightest and best over the years.
And the tireless Maeda is reportedly a candidate to follow in Van Dijk’s footsteps; the former Yokohama F Marinos forward catching the eye both north of the border and during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Southampton taking an interest in Celtic’s World Cup star Daizen Maeda
Southampton, Football Scotland say, will keep tabs on Maeda when Celtic take on Kilmarnock for a place in the Scottish Cup final during January 14th at Hampden Park.
Maeda, who joined Celtic for a bargain £1.6 million, has six goals and four assists this season. His searing pace and exceptional work ethic is likely to appeal to under-fire Saints boss Nathan Jones, with Maeda’s versatility also a key asset. He can play anywhere across the frontline, and has returned in sensational form after helping Japan reach the World Cup knockout stages in Qatar.
Maeda scored a stunning long-range goal against Hibernian and followed that up with a typically forceful opener in Monday’s 2-2 Old Firm derby draw with Rangers. For a player who’s end product has often come under question, Maeda is taking his chances with a real poise and precision these days.
“He works so hard for the team,” beams Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou (Daily Record). “He’s surrounded by other attackers who are different to him. He doesn’t get the headlines but the contribution he makes is immense.”
In his final season back home in Japan, Maeda plundered 23 goals in 40 games. A tally enough to secure the J-League’s 2021 Golden Boot.
In addition to Maeda, Southampton are also considering moves for Lorient hitman Terem Moffi and Villarreal speedster Nicolas Jackson. A return for Aston Villa’s Danny Ings has also been mooted.
Mislav Orsic, meanwhile, could arrive from Dinamo Zagreb over the weekend.
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