Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has indicated that the club may not be in the market for a new striker this summer, as he sees Daizen Maeda as a potential option for the role.

This comes after Maeda’s impressive performance in Celtic’s pre-season friendly against Yokohama F. Marinos, where he scored a hat trick and looked very lively.

Rodgers was full of praise for Maeda after the match, stating,

“I thought Daizen was outstanding against Yokohama,” said Brendan quoted by the Glasgow Times. “I like him more through the middle. I think he does a good job on the side. But there is a reason he plays for Japan through the middle.“

Maeda’s performance against Yokohama F. Marinos showcased his potential as a striker. His movement, touch, and ability to threaten the backline were all highlighted by Rodgers, who was particularly impressed with Maeda’s pressing.

“I think his penetration and his movement is terrific. I was really impressed with his touch too, because I think he’s usually a player who is running away from the ball. But when he had to link the game and set the game I thought he was very good. And how he threatened their backline was excellent.

“On top of that his pressing is phenomenal. I like players at the top end who can really press the game and Daizen can definitely do that.“

Celtic currently have two other strikers in their squad, Kyogo and Hyeon-gyu Oh. However, Maeda’s performance in the pre-season friendly and Rodgers’ subsequent comments suggest that he could be a key figure in Celtic’s attacking line-up this season.

Maeda’s hat trick against Yokohama F. Marinos will undoubtedly boost his confidence ahead of the new season. If he can continue to impress in the striker role, Celtic fans could be in for a treat this season.