Three Premier League clubs who should target Daizen Maeda in January as Celtic exit looms
Daizen Maeda is likely to have Premier League clubs clambouring for his signature should he leave Celtic during the January transfer window.
Football Insider understands that multiple clubs are keeping tabs on Maeda’s situation at Celtic Park, having looked a shell of his former self from last season, where he notched 44 goal contributions.
The 28-year-old was a key figure under Brendan Rodgers, but with Martin O’Neill now in charge of Celtic, the Japanese international’s form has taken a hit over the last few months.
However, with 33 goals and 11 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions last term, the forward caught plenty of attention from those in the Premier League, and the same is happening again.
With that in mind, Football Insider has looked at three clubs who could require his services.
West Ham
West Ham could soon be without Niclas Fullkrug, and with Callum Wilson unlikely to play a whole 90 minutes, another striker signing is crucial if Nuno Espirito Santo is to turn the ship in East London.
The 28-year-old is able to play anywhere across the frontline, and Jarrod Bowen has proven just how dynamic the Hammers can be in the final third due to his cameos at striker.
Of course, there would be plenty of challenge for spots in the starting lineup, but if Maeda were to leave Celtic Park, the London Stadium could be a suitable destination for him.
Brighton
Danny Welbeck is in fine form for Brighton, but beyond the 34-year-old, Fabian Hurzeler has very limited options through the middle at the Amex Stadium this season.
With clear links to Kaoru Mitoma due to playing for the same national team, joining the Seagulls could be a smart move for Maeda, who will want to settle into life in the Premier League quickly.
The Celtic star boasts several goals in the Champions League, so adapting to English football should not be a challenge for him, but having a friendly face at the club would certainly not hurt.
Leeds United
Leeds United are battling against Premier League relegation, and the club’s tactics during the summer transfer window have done very little to support Daniel Farke.
After 11 matches, the Whites are sitting 16th in the league table, and with upcoming games against Aston Villa, Man City, Chelsea, and Liverpool, it is difficult to see where the points are coming from.
Farke’s side will need to hit the ground running after the Christmas break, but they can only do that with a new figure through the middle, instead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.