Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has opted to begin his pre-season preparations early by linking up with his former club Mito HollyHock in Japan.
He’s still back home in Japan, after welcoming the birth of his child earlier this summer.
Over the weekend, fresh reports linking the forward to a Celtic exit emerged. Brentford are interested in the Celtic player, but Celtic had reportedly previously set a £21m price tag on his head.
While Maeda is expected to report back to Lennoxtown later this week to join up with Brendan Rodgers’ squad, the 27-year-old has taken the initiative to gain a fitness edge by training with the J2 League leaders during their summer camp.
Maeda reflected positively on the experience: “I was able to train in a great environment with a good team who are currently at the top of the league. I felt ok, but I think I still have a long way to go.”
The Japan international, who spent two years with Mito earlier in his career, added: “I don’t know what the new season will bring for me, but first, I want to get in shape at their training camp. It was an enjoyable session. Mito are a great team and there is a good atmosphere in the camp. I really hope they win promotion.” [TCW]
Maeda played a crucial role in Celtic’s title-winning campaign last season, and picked up a handful of individual awards, including player of the year. He’s looking to continue his blistering form into the new season, by the looks of things.
With a packed fixture list on the horizon – including Champions League qualifiers and domestic title defences – Rodgers will be encouraged by the winger’s desire to hit the ground running.
