Maeda has publicly cast doubt over his future at Celtic, questioning whether the club will permit his departure during the upcoming transfer window.
The Japanese winger came agonisingly close to leaving Celtic last summer, even going as far as emptying out his locker at Lennoxtown ahead of an expected exit.
A proposed move to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg appeared set to materialise on deadline day before circumstances at Celtic forced the club’s hand.
The deal collapsed after Adam Idah departed the club, leaving Celtic without a recognised striker and unable to sanction Maeda’s exit at the same time.
Boss Brendan Rodgers later revealed that Maeda had first made his desire for a fresh challenge known back in February, months before the window opened.
After staying in Glasgow, the 28-year-old endured a difficult season but rediscovered form in the closing stages of the campaign with a series of important contributions.
Maeda netted crucial goals as Celtic overcame Hearts to claim the Premiership title, and also contributed during the Scottish Cup victory over Dunfermline.
His contract situation adds further urgency to the question of his future, with the attacker now entering the final 12 months of his current deal at the club.
Speaking in Japan while promoting his autobiography, Maeda was candid about his uncertainty, saying: “If I receive an offer this summer, I’m curious to see if Celtic will grant that wish.”
He has previously expressed a desire to test himself in the English Premier League, and boss Martin O’Neill has stated that no one at the club should stand in his way if he wants to move.
Maeda also suggested this week that a final decision on his next club would come after the World Cup, adding: “I think there’s a good chance this will be my last (World Cup), so I want to enjoy it.”
He continued: “I want to fight with all my might, score goals, and contribute to the team’s victory. I want to show the Japanese people what it means to fight with all your might.”
