‘My only priority’ – Daizen Maeda Rubbishes Transfer Talk
Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has rubbished any transfer talk as he has pledged his immediate future to the Scottish champions.
During the January transfer window the Japanese international was heavily linked to Premier League side Southampton after his impressive performances for his national team t the World Cup.
His form since returning from the tournament has been absolutely fantastic. Maeda has scored a number of important goals which has helped his team retain their nine point advantage at the top of the Scottish Premiership and also win the Viaplay Cup.
The 25-year-old joined the Hoops last year from J-League outfit Yokohama F Marinos where he had previously played under Ange Postecoglou.
Although it was a risk moving to European football, he was doing it under a coach who had trust and belief in him to make his mark.
He is not distracted by any transfer talk and has his eyes set on winning more silverware in Glasgow and doing extra to help his team having scored nine goals and provided six assists this season so far.
“Right now, I’m not thinking about the future at all. I just won one of the domestic cups with Celtic, but I still have another cup and league title left to win this season. That is my only priority,” said Maeda as quoted by [Football Scotland].
“Personally, I would like to achieve double-digit goals and assists. Until this season, I had almost no assists even though I scored a few goals.
14th January 2023; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish Viaplay Cup Football Semi Final, Celtic versus Kilmarnock; Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates after he makes it 1-0 to Celtic in the 18th minute
“This season, my assists have increased and I would like to think that’s been linked to our results. If I want to be a part of the next World Cup in the USA, then there are still many things here at Celtic that I need to do.
“The enthusiasm of the local fans in Scotland reminds me of my days at Matsumoto Yamaga. But back then in 2016 when I was in the Japanese second division, I never ever thought I would see the day that I played and scored at a World Cup.
“It changed everything for me. In fact, after the Finals, when I returned home to Japan, people started noticing me all the time so I disguised myself a little! But inside, I’ve not changed at all.”
He will likely get another crack at Champions League football next season and will be enjoying working under Postecoglou as the manager has said that he is a player who will only continue to get better.
