Daizen Maeda admits to aiming higher amid transfer talk | OneFootball

Daizen Maeda has admitted that he is aiming higher with Celtic after a stunning campaign. The Japanese striker has become the front runner for the Player of the Year accolades and has been subject of transfer speculation due to his form.

Speaking to the media while on International duty, Maeda told Tokyo Sports about his wishes for the national team as well as Celtic, confirming his longterm commitment to the Scottish Champions.

“The results are the result of all the hard work I’ve put in up until now.”

“Up until now, I’ve been in the mix, but the ball just hasn’t come to me, so now it feels like the ball is coming to me. I haven’t really made any changes.”

“Now I can be part of the national team, but I think in a year things can change a lot, so in order to win this competition, I want to do well against Saudi Arabia.”

“I have scored a few goals at home so it will be important to keep doing that and focus on results with the national team. I need to achieve more and more results with my own team and keep aiming higher.”

“That’s where it all starts.”

Daizen Maeda celebrates. St Mirren v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Saturday 1st March 2025. Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

The versatile forward became more of a regular feature through the middle after Kyogo’s departure to Rennes. This move has been less than successful for the 29-year-old with suggestions that he will likely leave the Ligue 1 side in the summer. In the context of that, it appears that Maeda has discussed continuing to have the same impact.

Maeda continued to downplay any questions of his future, insisting that he is focused on Celtic and working hard for the club.

“I don’t think about whether I can’t play for the team I go to or not, I just fight for the team I am with and that’s all I want to do. I think it would be good if I can do that.”

Daizen has scored 29 goals this season and will be looking to score even more in the ‘business end’ of the season. Brendan will be hopeful that his talisman can combine with the rest of his frontline to fire Celtic towards a Treble.