Ipswich Town has secured the signing of Japanese forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic, agreeing to a three-year contract. The 28-year-old joins the Premier League club in a reported £10 million deal.
Maeda, who was part of Japan's squad at the 2026 World Cup, helped his national team reach the last 32 before their elimination by Brazil. During his tenure at Celtic, he scored 79 goals in 212 appearances and contributed to five league titles, three Scottish Cups, and two League Cups.
"I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League and I am very happy I can realise that dream with this club," Maeda stated on Ipswich's website. "I have loved all of the conversations with the club and they have made me feel very welcome. My aim will always be to battle hard, score goals, and provide assists for my team - I will always run and give everything that I have."
Ipswich manager Gary O'Neil, who took charge at Portman Road this summer, expressed confidence that Maeda will be a "valuable member" of the squad. O'Neil noted, "He works extremely hard and has impressive physical attributes, while also proving over a number of years playing in Scotland that he has the ability to score goals and create for his team."
Maeda's arrival follows Ipswich's promotion back to the top flight after finishing second in the Championship last season under former manager Kieran McKenna. The club has also added defender Issa Diop, winger Abdul Fatawu, striker Emersonn, and goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen. Additionally, defender Cedric Kipre and forward Chuba Akpom have signed permanently after successful loan spells last season.
In a message to the "Celtic family," Maeda described his four and a half years at Celtic as "the most special chapter of my career and my life." He added, "It has been an incredible honour to wear this badge, to play for this amazing club, and to share so many unforgettable moments with my teammates, the staff, and the best supporters in the world. Thank you for standing by me through every high and low."