1. Celtic FC supporters have officially said goodbye to Japanese international Daizen Maeda, with the forward completing his move away from Parkhead to Premier League side Ipswich Town.
2. Ipswich signed Maeda on a three-year contract, with the transfer widely reported at around £10 million. The move gives Maeda the opportunity to play in the Premier League after four-and-a-half successful years in Scotland.
3. The 28-year-old attacker arrived at Celtic in January 2022 and quickly became an important part of the team. During his Celtic career, he made 212 appearances and scored 79 goals.
4. Maeda also collected an impressive list of honours during his time in Glasgow. He won five Scottish league titles, three Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups with Celtic.
5. His final period at Celtic was particularly productive. Reports note that he scored nine goals in his final seven matches as Celtic secured domestic success during the previous campaign.
6. The transfer also fulfils a long-standing ambition for the Japan international. Maeda has spoken about his desire to play in the Premier League, and his move to Ipswich now gives him that opportunity.
7. Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil highlighted Maeda’s work rate, physical qualities and ability to score and create goals when discussing the signing. The club sees the Japanese forward as an important addition ahead of its Premier League campaign.
8. For Celtic, the departure represents the end of an important chapter. Maeda became known for his aggressive pressing, pace and willingness to work continuously for the team, making him a popular figure among supporters.
9. Celtic have already had to plan for life without the Japan international. Sky Sports reported that the club subsequently agreed a club-record deal for Kasper Høgh from Bodø/Glimt, adding another attacking option to the squad.
10. Maeda’s departure also follows his involvement with Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he scored in Japan’s 1–1 draw against Sweden before the team was eliminated by Brazil in the round of 32.
11. Speaking after joining Ipswich, Maeda said that playing in the Premier League had always been a dream and expressed his happiness at finally achieving that goal. He also outlined his intention to work hard, score goals and provide assists for his new club.
12. The transfer therefore closes Maeda’s Celtic chapter and begins a new Premier League adventure at Ipswich Town. Celtic supporters will remember the Japanese forward for his goals, relentless running and contribution to the club’s trophy-winning period.
TRANSFER CONFIRMED: Daizen Maeda — Celtic ➡️ Ipswich Town. Three-year contract. Report ed fee: around £10 million.
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