Daizen Maeda responds to Arne Engels as Celtic exit rumours swirl
Daizen Maeda reacted to Arne Engels’ social media post as speculation swirls around the attacker’s future at Celtic this summer.
The Japanese international has been one of the most important players in Brendan Rodgers‘ set-up since the manager’s arrival two summers ago, notching another 33 goals and 11 assists last season.
With 62 goals and 27 assists in 158 total appearances for the Hoops, it is no wonder that some supporters at Celtic Park are concerned about clubs pursuing the forward’s signature this summer.
Football Insider understands that Rodgers is desperate to keep the Celtic squad together amid serious interest in Maeda from the Premier League, including West Ham and Leeds United.
A player who arrived as recently as last summer, however, is Engels, who notched 10 goals and 13 assists in his first 52 games for the Hoops, and is clearly ready for another season.
Celtic duo enjoying time away from Celtic Park
Taking to Instagram (16 June), Engels posted a series of images from training on his summer break, simply captioned with battery and sun emojis, recharging for the 2025/26 campaign at Celtic Park.
The post attracted the attention of Maeda, Jeffrey Schlupp, and Paulo Bernardo, all of whom liked Engels’ time away Scotland.
Rodgers to replicate stunning 2024/25 campaign next term
Football Insider verdict
While supporters were happy to once again lift the Scottish Premiership title over their Old Firm rivals, Rangers, many are expecting even more from the squad next season.
This is mainly due to the team’s performances in the Champions League, nearly pipping an all-star Bayern Munich to the round of 16, only to be knocked out by a last-gasp Alphonso Davies equaliser.
It showed the rest of the world that Scottish Premiership teams must not be underestimated, with Barry Ferguson’s Gers side reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa League as well.
There had been suggestions that Rodgers could seek another Celtic exit without proper competition from Ibrox, but 49ers Enterprises‘ takeover, led by Paraag Marathe and Andrew Cavenagh, has made things interesting.
The Northern Irishman will want to replicate last season’s performances before then achieving even more, with supporters desperate for a longer run in Europe next term.
With a few additions throughout the summer transfer window, the Hoops have a real chance of breaking expectations and winning more than just the league title or the Scottish Cup.