Newly-promoted Ipswich Town want to sign Daizen Maeda, a 28-year-old Japanese winger, and have reportedly made a move for him as they prepare for their return to the English top flight. In his autobiography, Maeda recently discussed his ambition to play in the Premier League, stating that he has always wanted to do so and feels this is the right time for a transfer, while acknowledging that nothing is certain.
Martin O'Neill expressed a personal hope that Maeda would complete the final year of his Celtic contract and leave for free, instead of the club selling him now, although O'Neill was unsure if that would happen. Maeda joined Celtic in July 2022, has 30 caps and 5 goals for Japan, and has also been linked with several Premier League clubs, including West Ham, Brentford and Everton. Transfermarkt estimates his current market value to be €13.00m. Reports from July 2026 state Celtic's asking price is between £15 million and £20 million.
