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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Mon 18 May 2026 14:52, UK

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Celtic will not stand in the way of Daizen Maeda leaving the club as he prepares to explore a new challenge beyond this season.

Maeda completed a remarkable turnaround in form with the key goal to put Celtic ahead in their title-winning victory against Hearts on Saturday.

The Japan striker bagged seven goals in the Hoops’ last five games of the campaign to fire them to another Premiership crown, but looks set to leave the club this summer.

He is set to enter the final year of his contract, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Celtic are planning to cash in on Maeda as he edges closer to choosing to leave Parkhead.

Celtic’s transfer plans will be dictated by their next manager appointment, and so Maeda’s exit is unlikely to be sealed until someone is hired and after he stars at the World Cup for his country.

Celtic will let Daizen Maeda leave the club this summer after failed Bundesliga switch

Sources have told Football Insider that Premier League clubs are interested in Maeda after his strong end to the season, and he recently admitted to Japanese media that a move to the English top flight is “a dream.”

He was set to join Wolfsburg last summer before a move fell through late in the window, but Celtic will aim to avoid a repeat this time around as the 28-year-old is allowed to move on.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “(Maeda) spoke to Brendan Rodgers last year and asked if he could leave. He ended up staying at Celtic, and obviously, that did affect his form in the first half of the season.

“I think this is probably Celtic’s last chance to cash in on him, especially if he is open and willing to seek a new challenge as well.

“I’m sure his mind probably hasn’t changed too much from last summer. I think he probably feels that he would like to move on for a new adventure as well, so it’ll be another busy summer for Celtic to see what they can do with Maeda.”

Nikolas Polster wants Celtic move as goalkeeper shake-up looms

Viljami Sinisalo ended the campaign as Celtic’s number one keeper after taking over from the injured Kasper Schmeichel in March.

He impressed in their eventual run to the title, but Celtic are exploring their options with another goalkeeper set to join in place of Schmeichel as he reaches the end of his contract.

Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Celtic want to sign Wolfsberger keeper Polster this summer, and he is keen on a move to Parkhead.

The 23-year-old wants to be the Hoops’ first-choice stopper after gaining experience as a number one in the Austrian Bundesliga, Europa League and Conference League this season.