Celtic's Maeda vows to keep doing his best in Scotland
Daizen Maeda says he wants to continue doing his best in Scotland and feels genuine love from Celtic supporters, even as pundits add his name to the daily record of summer exit rumours. The Japan forward's public commitment matters because Andy Halliday has called his departure a cast-iron certainty.
Speaking with BBC Sport on the eve of Japan's final World Cup Group F match against Sweden, the 28-year-old addressed speculation that has followed him since a reported big-money transfer collapsed on deadline day last season.
Key Takeaways
- Maeda told BBC Sport he wants to keep doing his best in Scotland and believes supporters reward effort with loyalty.
- He scored in six straight games late last season, including the title-clincher against Hearts and the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline.
- Former midfielder Andy Halliday told the Scottish Football podcast that Maeda is a cast-iron certainty to leave Celtic this summer.
- Maeda's World Cup duty with Japan could slow any transfer, with Halliday noting the tournament affects deals both ways.
- Celtic fan media on Celtic News Now asked whether Maeda could still stay, while also flagging Strachan's departure.
Why does Maeda want to keep playing in Scotland?
After four-and-a-half years in Scottish football, Maeda said the lesson he has taken is simple: if you do your best, supporters feel it and want to root for you. That is why he wants to continue doing his best in Scotland.
He also reacted warmly when told a female member of Scotland's back-room staff had said, tell him I love him. Maeda said earning love abroad, not just in Japan, is not easy, and that the message made him very happy.
What turned his Celtic season around?
Maeda's form dipped early last season after a move reportedly fell through when Celtic could not line up a replacement in time. The winger was linked with Wolfsburg, but the Bundesliga switch never happened.
He fought back with a stunning run at the end of the campaign. Maeda scored in six consecutive matches, including the decisive second goal in Celtic's 3-1 win over Hearts that secured the league title and another in the Scottish Cup final win over Dunfermline Athletic.
That surge helped Martin O'Neill's side complete a league and cup double and earned Maeda a place in Japan's World Cup squad. He started the 2-2 draw with the Netherlands and was an unused substitute in the 4-0 win over Tunisia.
Why do experts still expect him to leave?
Despite the turnaround, Halliday told the Scottish Football podcast that Maeda is viewed as a cast-iron certainty to exit Celtic Park. Yahoo Sports UK, citing Glasgow Times reporting, noted that Halliday also expects interest in Arne Engels after January chatter.
Halliday said transfer business will be slow while the World Cup is on, but that cuts both ways. Yang is at the tournament, and Nico Raskin came on for Belgium with a positive impact. In both cases, losing players means clubs must replace them.
Could Maeda actually stay at Celtic?
The question is now part of the supporter conversation online. A 23 June video shared on Celtic News Now by creator Ryan118 carried the headline Could Maeda STAY?, alongside discussion of Strachan departing and wider catch-up topics.
Nothing in Maeda's BBC comments confirms a deal or a farewell. His words point the other way. For fans trying to separate signal from noise, the clash between a player's pledge and pundit predictions is the story of this window.
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