rewrite this title ‘I want to play in the Premier League’ – Maeda opens door to Celtic exit

Daizen Maeda has opened the door to a possible exit from Celtic this summer, with the Premier League his desired destination. 

Maeda joined Celtic from Yokohama F. Marinos in 2022, initially signing a loan deal before putting pen to paper on a four-year contract ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.  

The 28-year-old has gone on to become a standout performer for the Scottish Premiership giants, winning the top-flight title five times during his time in Glasgow. 

He has gone on to make 212 appearances across all competitions, scoring 79 goals as well as providing 37 assists. 

Since his debut for Celtic, only Lawrence Shankland (72) and Kyogo Furuhashi (55) have scored more Scottish Premiership goals than Maeda’s 50 (level with James Tavernier). 

However, the Japan international appears to have his sights set on a move to England, a year on after a switch to the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg failed to materialise. 

Speaking to Japanese YouTube channel PIVOT, he said: “I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League ever since I went to Celtic, so I think this year might be my chance.

“My strongest desire is to play in the Premier League for at least a year. I haven’t really thought about what comes after that.”

Maeda’s current Celtic contract does not run out until next year, though Martin O’Neill said there was a “resignation” around the versatile forward leaving the club this summer. 

Celtic have prepared for that situation should Maeda depart after announcing the signing of Camilo Duran for a reported £6m transfer fee from Qarabag. 

On why a move to the Premier League was so appealing, Maeda added: “I think it’s the best league, and I’m confident I can do it there, so that’s why I want to take on the challenge. 

“There are certain strengths to being Japanese, and I believe that no matter which team I join, there will always be many who want me.

“I want to showcase those strengths of being Japanese.

“It’s really not decided yet. It’s about negotiations between Celtic and the other party. Until that’s finalised, I still have one year left on my contract with Celtic.

“For me, it’s simply that I want to play in the Premier League, and I don’t care which team it is, I just want to play here.

“So, no matter which team it is, what I have to do won’t change. I think that’s the only thing that matters when it comes to fighting.”