Liverpool and Leeds stars react to Daizen Maeda’s message at Celtic
Liverpool and Leeds players reacted to an announcement from Celtic’s star striker Daizen Maeda on social media.
The Japan international had enjoyed three solid, if somewhat unremarkable seasons at Parkhead since joining from Yokohoma F. Marinos in 2021.
Coming into this season, Maeda started strongly, but his form waned midway through the season, especially when a ligament injury ruled him out for several games between November and December.
However, Kyogo Furuhashi’s move to Rennes forced Brendan Rodgers to move the 27-year-old into the starting striker berth at Celtic on a more permanent basis, and since then, the forward has come alive.
The striker has scored 33 goals in all competitions this season, comfortably beating his goal total from his three prior seasons with the Hoops of 29.
But his stellar form may have negative consequences for his club side, as Maeda may well be on his way out of Celtic this summer.
Daizen Maeda named Celtic Player of the Year
Having enjoyed a stunning season, Maeda attended Celtic’s end-of-season award ceremony and was named Player of the Year, top goal-scorer and the Players’ Player of the Year.
The Japan international then posted on his Instagram an image holding the three trophies, captioned: “I am very honoured to receive these awards! I would like to thank the manager, the coaching staff, and above all, my teammates.
“There is not much time left in this season, so let’s win a cup final and end the season with a treble, together with all of you Celtic fans!”
The post was then liked by Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo and Leeds star Ao Tanaka, showing their support for their international teammate.
Celtic must do everything to keep Daizen Maeda after Jota update
Football Insider Verdict
Following his second coming at Parkhead, Jota was enjoying a stellar re-start to life in Scotland, scoring four times and assisting twice in just seven starts.
However, the Portuguese winger limped off in Celtic’s 5-0 win over Dundee United to claim the title.
The injury did not appear to be serious at first glance, but scans have now shown that Jota has ligament damage and will be out for six to nine months.
| 2024/25 Premiership stats | Maeda |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Starts | 28 |
| Goals | 16 |
| Assists | 10 |
| Minutes | 2,396 |
The Portuguese winger’s absence will only add to the pressure and expectation on Maeda, and Celtic will have to do all they can to retain his services in the summer.
However, interest from down south can be difficult to ignore, and the Hoops may have to focus their efforts on identifying a replacement if the worst were to happen.