Daizen Maeda

You're allowed to give yourself some leeway for saying he was pish in the early stages. Because * me there were plenty times when he was. Under Ange at times he played more of a headless chicken role and could barely control the ball. If he had it you wanted him to quickly shift it to someone else because you knew it was only a matter of time before he ran it out, ran into a defender, or just passed it to the opposition.

Under Rodgers his technique in possession has become unreal. He does the same level of pressing, but he's so much more efficient with it now and when he nips in to get the ball he can actually make good decisions instead of doing the above. Not to mention's become such a reliable goal-getter this season and because of his increase in quality on the ball, his finishing has improved dramatically.

The difference over the last year or so has been unbelievable. Credit to the manager and to the player for being that coachable.

 

Unscathed, hit the post.

 

CELTIC are set to offer Daizen Maeda a new contract amid growing interest in the striker.

The in-form Japanese star’s current deal runs out in the summer of 2027.


But SunSport understands the Hoops are keen to tie him down on an extended contract with improved terms.

Maeda, 27, has netted 28 goals already this season, and is expected to be crowned Scotland’s Player of the Year.

The Celtic talisman scored four times in ten Champions League appearances and earned praise from Bayern Munich’s players for his all-action pressing.

Boss Brendan Rodgers has described Maeda as the "symbol" of his team — but also admitted his star man will be attracting the attention of other clubs.



Speaking last month, the Hoops boss said: "I would think Daizen would be getting interest.

"If you’re doing it at a Champions League level, you’re showing you can do it on that stage.

"If you’re scoring goals like he has, working as hard as he does, then of course that will always bring attention.

"Daizen is a great symbol for our team and the collective, he brings the highest level of intensity we want.


"He is deserving of everything he’s getting so far, and he’s developing as a football player."

Maeda moved to Parkhead in January 2022 under his former Yokohama F. Marinos gaffer Ange Postecoglou.





He made an instant impact as Celts pipped Rangers to the title, and then played a key role in their Treble-winning 2022-23 season.

One of Rodgers’ first acts upon returning to Celtic in the summer of 2023 was to extend Maeda’s contract.



And the versatile Japan international has been a mainstay under him over the last two seasons.

Maeda turns 28 in October and his next deal, whether at Celtic or elsewhere, could be the biggest of his career.

It’s understood the player is happy at the the champions, and is fully settled in Glasgow with his young family.

But Maeda was coy on his future plans during a Sky Sports interview aired ahead of the last Old Firm clash on March 16.


Asked if he would be at Celtic 'for the long term', he said: "Well, I am not sure, that’s a difficult question.

"While I am here, I always want to fight and play for Celtic.

"I want to keep focusing and playing for the team."

Maeda was injured in the 3-2 defeat to Rangers, but was able to start Japan’s World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, which they drew 0-0.


He has now returned to Scotland and is set to face Hearts at Parkhead on Saturday in what would be his 150th Celtic appearance.

Maeda said: "I am ready, I was able to join the national team and play in the second game."

 

Music to everyone's ears.

Give him a five year deal.

 

* the 5 year deal

Give him 10 years

 

Would be over the moon about this. One of my all time favs who i am 100 % confident will become a true Celtic Legend.

 

He's done more than enough to warrant a lengthy extension. Get him pinned down for as long as possible. he seems happy and settled here, plus he enjoying his football, so it shouldn't be too difficult I'd imagine. Then should a big club come in for him it'll cost....and cost a lot. A win-win situation again for Celtic barring any significant fall of form or injury. Obviously I'd rather us keep him.

 

For me if Maeda wants to stay long term then he should be given a long term 5 year deal and treated like a Larsson type situation where there is no issue with him then playing out the full 5 year deal and not being sold in the middle of it. He would be giving us all his peak career years and the qualities he brings to the team are all but irreplaceable. Lets hope Maeda's mindset is set on staying at Celtic.

 

Gonna be over the moon if he is tied down, what he gives us you can’t come close to replacing in comparison to a transfer fee