Celtic striker Daizen Maeda has indicated a strong desire to play in the Premier League, fueling speculation about his potential exit from the Scottish club. Maeda, who is entering the final year of his contract, is reportedly attracting interest from English clubs, with Brentford among those linked.
Maeada stated his growing interest in the Premier League since joining Celtic, noting that he now watches games regularly, a habit he did not have while playing in Japan. "I have a strong desire to play in the Premier League," Maeda told a Japanese YouTube show. "I think the higher you go, the better you get."
Maeada scored 33 goals for Celtic in the 2024-25 season, including nine goals in his last seven matches. He also found the net for Japan against Sweden in the World Cup. Celtic previously rejected an offer from Wolfsburg for the player last August.
Manager Martin O'Neill acknowledged a sense of "resignation" regarding Maeda's potential departure but expressed hope he would remain for his final contract year. The club has also recently bolstered its attacking options by signing Colombian striker Camilo Duran from Qarabag.
O'Neill also hinted at potential departures for midfielder Arne Engels and Swedish player Benjamin Nygren. Nottingham Forest has previously had multiple bids for Engels rejected, including offers worth £14 million and £17 million, as well as a package up to £25 million. According to Belgian publication Voetbal Krant, Nottingham Forest has submitted a new formal offer for the 22-year-old.
The club is also awaiting a decision from striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who joined Celtic last September on a one-year contract. O'Neill confirmed that an offer for a two-year deal has been made.
In other team news, O'Neill has dismissed any immediate prospect of winger Jota returning to action, as the player continues to recover from an ACL injury sustained in April of the previous year. Jota is not expected to be near match fitness until October, and O'Neill stated he cannot factor the player into short-term plans until he is closer to full recovery.