Celtic Hero Completes Move South
Ipswich Town have confirmed the signing of Japan international forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic, with the 28-year-old putting pen to paper on a three-year contract. The deal, reportedly worth around £10 million including add-ons, runs until the summer of 2029.
Maeda becomes Ipswich’s first ever Japanese signing, arriving fresh off representing his country at the 2026 World Cup. His performances in North America only heightened interest from the Tractor Boys, though his desire to test himself in England had been clear for some time.
“I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League,” Maeda said following the move. He praised the club’s warmth throughout negotiations, adding that he intends to give everything for his new team. Manager Gary O’Neil echoed that enthusiasm, calling him a valuable addition to his squad.
His Celtic legacy speaks for itself. Maeda scored 79 goals in 212 appearances during four and a half years at Parkhead, winning five league titles alongside three Scottish Cups and two League Cups. Only James Tavernier and Lawrence Shankland have contributed more goals in the Scottish Premiership since his debut.
A Fitting Farewell in Glasgow
Fittingly, Maeda’s final act for Celtic came in the Scottish Cup final win over Dunfermline Athletic, where he opened the scoring. Celtic’s statement thanked him warmly, praising his relentless energy and describing him as a firm fan favourite throughout his tenure.
His departure arrives alongside another major Celtic move. The Scottish champions simultaneously agreed a club record fee for Bodø/Glimt striker Kasper Høgh, suggesting Maeda’s sale helped fund incoming reinforcements up front. That timing hardly feels coincidental given the financial scale involved.
Ipswich, meanwhile, continue building ahead of their Premier League return. Maeda becomes their fifth summer signing, joining a rebuild that already includes Emersonn and Abdul Fatawu. Their opening fixture arrives August 22 against Sunderland, giving little time to settle before competitive action begins.
For more transfer coverage throughout the summer window, visit the KCPredict blog. Further reporting on the move is available via Sky Sports.