Daizen Maeda is looking forward to his summer break before returning as a permanent Celtic signing.
The striker/winger moved to Celtic during the January transfer window but unlike Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi his move from Yokohama Marinos was initially on loan.
With Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis competing for the striking role Maeda has been on the left wing for Celtic’s last three matches and turning in effective performances moving forward or tracking back.
Discussing his prospects the Sun reports:
Maeda says he can’t wait to pen a long-term contract with the Parkhead side after helping them effectively secure the Premiership title.
But the 24-year-old is desperate to put his feet up first after playing non-stop for the past 18 months.
Maeda said: “I am happy here but I am looking forward to resting. I have been playing since the beginning of last season in Japan.
“I will have to take enough rest to be ready to go again next season. I want to be at my best next season.”
There has been a variety of reports in recent days about the chances of Celtic making Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers permanent signings with work still to be done on both moves.
For whatever reasons Maeda’s initial move was on loan with the upgrade appearing to be a formality.
Five minutes into his debut against Hibs in January the 24-year-old opened his scoring account with his goal against Hearts on Saturday making it eight for the season.
The loan move was down to he had already moved clubs on a permanent deal so his 6 month loan was only deal Celtic could do until enf of the season with the loan turning into a permanent deal at the end if the season I’m sure the rule is you cant join 2 clubs in 1 season on permanent deals hence the loan 1st
Very important player for us going forward. His energy to close players down along with him helping out our full backs is very important.
Yes sign him up as well.
Great example to the rest of the squad. His work ethic is outstanding. It’ll be good to see him next season after he’s had a decent rest.