Thankfully, Celtic didn’t allow Daizen Maeda to leave in the summer.
The 2025 summer transfer window was bad enough, but it would have taken the Celtic fans well over the edge had they parted ways with Maeda.
Since the dust is starting to settle on the summer window, the Japanese international has openly spoken about how he could have left, but Celtic didn’t allow him to.
This shouldn’t be a surprise because, as soon as any player, Matt O’Riley, Virgil van Dijk, Jeremie Frimpong, and Nicolas Kuhn, to name a few, showcases any outstanding form, then the money rolls in and Celtic accepts.
Whilst it didn’t happen with Maeda, it was questioned on PLZ Soccer whether there is something in the contracts of these players.
Photo by Jose Luis Contreras/Dax Images/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesDaizen Maeda’s Celtic contract
When discussing Maeda’s recent admission, former goalkeeper Alan Rough couldn’t get his head around how the player seemingly ‘agreed personal terms’ with another club if Celtic didn’t want to sell him.
That’s when Tam McManus suggested that there could be clauses in the contracts of players from Japan and Korea that, if an English Premier League side comes knocking, then they can leave because that’s where the money is, and it’s their ‘ultimate aim.’
Alan Rough: “I just find it really strange for him negotiating with another club, without the club he is at.”
McManus: “I am sure the players coming from Japan and Korea have got something in their contract, ‘if an English Premier League club comes in.’
“That is a stepping stone. Albeit Celtic are a bigger club than Brentford. But the ultimate aim for these players is to get to the English Premier League, where the money is.”
Rewind back to the final few months of last season, when Celtic had all but confirmed title number 55, and the Treble was on.
Maeda spoke about his future, and he didn’t commit to Celtic, which at the time should have sent alarm bells ringing – he stated in March that he was ‘unsure’ about his future in Glasgow.
So, his recent admission shouldn’t be a surprise, and Celtic fans will breathe a sigh of relief that he is still at the club.