Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 14 May 2026 13:54, UK

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Daizen Maeda scored again as Celtic beat Motherwell 3-2 on Wednesday in a potentially title-turning moment.

After goals from Elliot Watt, Maeda, Benjamin Nygren and Liam Gordon, the sides were locked level at Fir Park, with Hearts set to take an overwhelming advantage into the final day.

But in an extremely controversial moment that will be talked about for months to come, Celtic were awarded a penalty that Kelechi Iheanacho converted to hand the advantage back to Martin O’Neill’s side.

Victory over Hearts at Parkhead on Saturday will be enough to retain the Scottish Premiership, with any other result allowing the visitors to lift the title in Glasgow.

Celtic transfer chiefs will be aware that Maeda is attracting interest ahead of this summer, with his form starting to become bewildering.

Daizen Maeda continues staggering run of form

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider last week that Premier League clubs are tracking Maeda, and it is easy to see why.

After a brilliant start to the season, with a burst of goals and assists coming in December, the Japan international had slowed down.

Just one goal in 15 Scottish Premiership games to close out the initial league campaign left fans hugely frustrated, and discussions about the forward’s long-term future were mounting.

But the last month has seen Maeda transform. Players can often wilt when the pressure is on, but Celtic’s fight for the title and cup double has had the exact opposite effect on the 28-year-old.

In just five games since the top six split, the Japan international has scored seven goals and provided two assists.

Even more staggering is the fact that every single one of Maeda’s Scottish Premiership goal contributions since the split has directly won points for Celtic.

He scored yet another crucial goal for the Bhoys on Wednesday, finishing from a tight angle to kick off the comeback.

Martin O’Neill on ‘sensational’ Maeda

Maeda will have just one year remaining on his contract this summer, and could well push for a new opportunity.

The Premier League would undoubtedly be a step up for the 28-year-old, who has proven his ability to find the net in recent weeks.

“Sensational, really sensational,” O’Neill said when asked about Maeda’s performance against Rangers last week, which saw the forward score an unbelievable overhead kick.

“His second goal was out of this world. But his whole performance, he starts off with closing down and the negative part of the game, which he galvanises the side because he’s so good at it.

“And then his own performance, scoring the goals with the ball was magnificent.”

Celtic must make a decision on Maeda this summer, with a Premier League side sure to benefit from his tremendous form if no action is taken.