Sky Sports has released a brief video clip where Daizen Maeda discusses his ambitions to play in a foreign league.
Last night a number of Japanese outlets reported that an agreement had been reached for the striker to join Celtic on loan next month with an option to make the move permanent costing around £1.5m
Having worked under Ange Postecoglou at Yokohama Marinos as recently as six months ago it seems like all of the pieces are falling into place to plug a gaping issue in the Celtic side.
Kyogo Furuhashi has virtually been a one man strike force with Albian Ajeti failing to show that last season was a one-off while Fiorgos Giakoumakis has started just two SPFL matches since his August move from VVV Venlo.
??”If I have a chance, I love to go to such a stage.”
Here’s what Celtic target Daizen Maeda said when asked about a move to Europe after collecting the J-League prize for joint-top scorer earlier this month? pic.twitter.com/g5vrmAwioS
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 30, 2021
I felt that I still have a long way to go after playing against foreign players. If I don’t get experience of playing in a foreign league, I won’t be able to close the gap. So, if I have a chance, I love to go to such a stage.
With the J-League ending in November Maeda has had a breather and time to prepare for his speculated move to Celtic.
After a loan deal in Portugal with Maritimo two years ago he’ll know something of the demands of European football but this time will be playing under a manager who knows exactly his strengths and weaknesses.
CLICK HERE for Maeda Transfermarkt profile.
One of the most interesting things I worked on in 2021 was an in-depth interview with #Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou. For any fans wanting a Celtic fix during the winter break, the extended version is on Sky Sports Football, January 2nd @ 0800 ? ? pic.twitter.com/7ysEoez0uA
— Mark Benstead (@markbenstead) December 30, 2021
