In a thrilling turn of events, Celtic’s Daizen Maeda has become a hot topic in transfer rumors, with several Premier League clubs reportedly eyeing the Japanese forward ahead of the summer transfer window. According to local media outlet CELTIC FC ON SI, published on May 10, 2025, Maeda's impressive performances this season have sparked interest from top-tier clubs in England.
Currently in his fourth season with Celtic, Maeda has made a significant impact, participating in 32 league matches and netting 16 goals while providing 10 assists. His contributions have been pivotal in securing Celtic’s fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title and their Scottish League Cup victory. As the team gears up for the Scottish Cup final, Maeda has emerged as a central figure in their quest for a domestic treble.
On May 1, 2025, English media outlet TBR reported that clubs such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Brentford, Fulham, Crystal Palace, West Ham United, and newly-promoted Leeds United have shown keen interest in Maeda. The report highlighted that as the season draws to a close, speculation surrounding the future of several players, including Celtic's star Maeda, is intensifying.
“Maeda has had a remarkable season, earning him both the Celtic Player of the Year and PFA Player of the Year awards,” TBR noted. “His outstanding play has attracted attention from several big clubs in the Premier League, who are considering a move for the Japanese international.”
Despite the swirling rumors, Maeda remains focused on the task at hand. He expressed his desire to concentrate on the remaining matches of the season, particularly the upcoming Scottish Cup final. “I want to focus on the remaining games this season, as there are still matches left to play,” Maeda stated. “I don’t want to think too far ahead.”
With a contract that runs until 2027, Maeda's future remains uncertain, but he acknowledged that he would consider any substantial offers that come his way. “It’s realistic to say that I would consider a high-value offer if it arises,” he explained. Celtic, on the other hand, hopes to retain him for as long as possible, recognizing that he is currently at the peak of his career at 27 years old, with further growth anticipated.
Meanwhile, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers also addressed the future of another key player, Reo Hatate, amid ongoing transfer speculation. Hatate, who joined Celtic in January 2022, has been a crucial part of the squad, contributing to the team’s success in the Scottish Premiership and League Cup victories, as well as their advancement to the Scottish Cup final. He has played in all 53 official matches this season, scoring 10 goals and providing 9 assists.
During a press conference on May 9, 2025, Rodgers praised Hatate’s talent and acknowledged the interest from other clubs, particularly Serie A’s Udinese, who have reportedly sent scouts to monitor his performances. “He is a truly talented player, and this is his fourth season here,” Rodgers remarked. “We will see what happens this summer.”
Rodgers noted that while Hatate struggled with consistency during his first year, he has matured significantly and is now a vital player for the team. “There’s no doubt he has great talent,” Rodgers stated. “At 27 years old, he is clearly maturing, although some clubs may overlook him due to his age.”
Rodgers emphasized Hatate’s versatility, stating, “He can protect the ball, play risky passes, score goals, and win the ball back. He’s really talented, and I’ve taken some time to understand his style of play. He is definitely not underrated.”
As the season progresses, the reduced match schedule has allowed Hatate’s abilities to shine even brighter. “The challenge for him was during the busy periods of three matches a week, where fatigue could set in,” Rodgers explained. “But now, with only one match a week, he’s really showing what he can do.”
With both Maeda and Hatate making headlines, Celtic is not only focused on achieving domestic glory but also on managing the future of their star players. As the summer transfer window approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if these talented players remain in the Scottish Premiership or make a leap to one of Europe’s top leagues.
As the Scottish Cup final looms on the horizon, Celtic is poised to make a significant mark this season. With Maeda and Hatate at the forefront, the team is not only aiming for a domestic treble but also navigating the complex waters of player transfers and contract negotiations. The excitement is palpable as the football world waits to see what the future holds for these rising stars.
