Godwin ObajeCeltic’s Brendan Rodgers Eager to Retain Daizen Maeda Amid Premier League Interest
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is facing mounting pressure to retain key members of his squad amid rising interest from Premier League clubs. One player who is currently attracting significant attention is Japan international Daizen Maeda, who has been the subject of multiple reports linking him to the English top flight.
Sources close to the situation have confirmed to Football Insider that Rodgers is fully aware of the growing interest in the 27-year-old forward and is determined to keep him at Parkhead as part of his long-term vision for the team. According to these sources, both newly-promoted Leeds United and Premier League stalwarts West Ham United are among the clubs exploring the possibility of securing Maeda’s services in the upcoming transfer window.
Rising Interest from the Premier League
Daizen Maeda has emerged as one of the standout players in the Scottish Premiership since joining Celtic in January 2022 from Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos. His electric pace, relentless pressing, and eye for goal have made him a fan favourite at Celtic Park, while his work ethic has drawn the attention of several top-tier clubs in England.
Leeds United, fresh off their promotion back to the Premier League, are keen to bolster their attacking options, with Maeda seen as a potential target. The West Yorkshire side, under new management, is looking to make a statement in the top flight and believes that Maeda’s skillset could be the perfect addition to their attack. West Ham, meanwhile, are looking for fresh faces in their offensive line as they aim to build on their recent European success.
However, while these Premier League clubs are keen to strike a deal, Celtic are resolute in their position that Maeda is not for sale unless a substantial offer comes through, which meets the club’s valuation of the player.
Brendan Rodgers’ Transfer Strategy
Brendan Rodgers has been vocal in his desire to maintain the core of his Celtic squad heading into the 2025-2026 season. Rodgers, who returned to the helm in the summer of 2024, has made it clear that he wants a settled squad for the upcoming campaign, with a focus on building a strong, competitive team for both domestic and European challenges.
Sources close to the Celtic camp have revealed that Rodgers has had multiple discussions with the club’s board, stressing the importance of keeping key players like Maeda at the club. Rodgers, known for his tactical acumen and attention to detail, believes that Maeda’s attributes align perfectly with his footballing philosophy. The Celtic manager has reportedly told the board that losing a player of Maeda’s quality would be a blow to his long-term plans for success.
Rodgers has also stated privately that he sees Maeda as integral to Celtic’s high-pressing, fast-paced playing style. The Japanese forward’s work ethic and willingness to chase down opponents make him a vital cog in Celtic’s offensive and defensive transitions. Maeda’s ability to stretch defences and create space for others has been a hallmark of his time in Glasgow, and Rodgers believes that his departure would leave a significant gap in the team.
“Daizen has been an exceptional asset to Celtic since his arrival,” Rodgers said in a recent interview. “He brings something unique to the team with his energy and work rate. I would be disappointed if we lost him, but we are aware that clubs will always be interested in our top performers.”
Maeda’s Impact at Celtic
Since his arrival from Japan, Maeda has proven to be a versatile and industrious forward, capable of playing across various attacking positions. His agility and speed make him a constant threat on the counter-attack, while his pressing game has been crucial in Rodgers’ tactical setup. Over the past two seasons, Maeda has formed a strong partnership with Celtic’s other attacking stars, notably Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota, and his contributions in front of goal have been vital to the club’s success.
Maeda has played an instrumental role in Celtic’s dominance of the Scottish Premiership, helping them secure consecutive league titles. His performances in Europe have also not gone unnoticed, with Maeda often putting in energetic displays against some of Europe’s elite teams in the UEFA Champions League.
In the current season, Maeda’s contribution has been pivotal once again, with the Japanese international scoring crucial goals and providing assists in key matches. His form has been one of the main reasons behind Celtic’s continued success both domestically and in European competitions.
The Japanese Connection
Maeda is one of several Japanese players currently excelling in the Scottish Premiership, a trend that has continued since Celtic’s recruitment of several talented individuals from Japan in recent years. With the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, and Yosuke Ideguchi, Celtic has developed a strong Japanese contingent, and their performances have contributed significantly to the club’s resurgence under Rodgers’ leadership.
The growing influence of Japanese players in European football has sparked a surge of interest from clubs outside of Scotland, particularly in the Premier League. Maeda, along with his compatriots, has seen his stock rise due to his dynamic playing style and ability to adapt to the demands of European football.
Rodgers, however, has been keen to emphasize that the strength of Celtic lies not only in individual talent but in the collective unit he is building. While he is aware of the financial lure of Premier League clubs, the Celtic manager is confident that the club’s position as a dominant force in Scottish football and its potential in European competition will be enough to persuade Maeda to remain in Glasgow.
“I believe Celtic is the best place for Daizen to continue developing,” Rodgers added. “We offer him the chance to play at the highest level domestically and in Europe. I am hopeful he sees his future here at Celtic, where we can continue to build something special.”
Challenges Ahead for Celtic
Despite Rodgers’ assurances that Celtic will do everything in their power to retain Maeda, the club faces a number of challenges in keeping their star player. The Premier League’s financial might is a significant obstacle, with clubs like Leeds and West Ham able to offer wages and transfer fees that Celtic may struggle to match. While Celtic are one of the biggest clubs in Scotland, they do not possess the same financial power as their Premier League counterparts.
Celtic’s position in European competitions also plays a role in the decision-making process. While Celtic are consistently one of the top teams in Scotland, their ability to compete with the elite of European football is a question that has been raised. If the club fails to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League or faces early exits in continental competitions, it could impact their ability to retain top players like Maeda.
However, Rodgers remains confident that the allure of playing for a club with Celtic’s history, passionate fanbase, and potential for growth will help sway Maeda to stay. The Celtic manager has often spoken about the importance of building a team that can compete on the European stage, and he remains hopeful that Maeda shares that ambition.
Conclusion
As the summer transfer window approaches, Celtic’s resolve will be tested by the increasing interest in Daizen Maeda from Premier League clubs. While Leeds United and West Ham are among the front-runners for his signature, Brendan Rodgers is determined to keep his squad intact and retain the Japanese forward. Celtic’s future under Rodgers looks promising, but losing a player like Maeda would undoubtedly be a blow to their ambitions for the upcoming season.
With the transfer window set to open, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Celtic can hold onto Maeda or whether the Premier League’s financial power will prove too great a temptation for the 27-year-old forward. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: Celtic’s ambition remains strong, and Rodgers will do everything in his power to ensure that the club continues to build on its successes.
Godwin Obaje
