Daizen Maeda wants Celtic to drop transfer price amid Ipswich interest

Daizen Maeda wants Celtic to drop his transfer price as Ipswich Town pushes for his signing. The Japan international, 28, has hinted he will leave after featuring heavily as Celtic’s key forward and scoring in six straight games, including in Scottish Cup final matches versus Hearts and Dunfermline. Celtic had previously expected a move last summer, with Brendan Rodgers noting Maeda communicated a need for a new challenge in February 2025, but a proposed transfer collapsed on deadline day when Wolfsburg emerged as a destination and the club lost striker options. After the World Cup, Maeda told Japanese TV that he wants his market value to fall so it is easier to transfer, calling Premier League football his “dream.” Ipswich are seeking a quick deal at Portman Road this summer.