Maeda Reveals He Wanted to Leave Celtic but Was Blocked

Daizen Maeda has disclosed that he intended to depart from Celtic before the transfer deadline, but the club prevented his move. The Japanese winger expressed his desire to take the next step in his career after receiving an attractive offer from another club.

While on international duty with Japan, Maeda explained that delays caused by club circumstances meant he missed joining his national team. The transfer window closed on Monday, and despite Maeda’s eagerness to move, Celtic did not permit it, citing their inability to bolster the squad.

Maeda, who has scored 63 goals since joining Celtic in January 2022, was linked with a move to Brentford, though he chose not to confirm if a Premier League club was involved. He stated, “I had agreed to the challenge, and I really asked Celtic until the last day, but it didn’t happen.”

Remaining under contract until 2027, Maeda plans to stay with Celtic at least until January, saying, “I’ve decided to remain here and will do my best for the team.”

The potential sale of Maeda could have added pressure on Celtic’s management, especially after recent squad changes following the departures of key players like Kyogo Furuhashi, Adam Idah, and Nicolas Kuhn. Recently, Maeda has struggled to replicate his previous form, failing to make a significant impact in last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Rangers and missing a penalty in the Champions League exit against Kairat Almaty.

Maeda wanted to leave Celtic this summer but was prevented from doing so.