Football - FA Premier League - Newcastle United FC v Liverpool FC NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Monday, August 25, 2025: Liverpool s L-R Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Conor Bradley on the pitch before the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James Park. Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE St James Park TYNE AND WEAR ENGLAND PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xDavidxRawcliffex P2025-08-25-Newcastle_Liverpool-39
Ipswich Town have opened transfer talks with Celtic over Japan international Daizen Maeda, with the newly-promoted club eager to finalise a deal quickly.
The Premier League side, known as the Tractor Boys, have made the first formal move for the wantaway forward, according to reports.
Maeda, 28, has made no secret of his desire to leave Celtic Park after four-and-a-half years in Glasgow.
The frontman is in the final year of his contract and has long expressed his ambition to test himself at a higher level.
New Ipswich boss Gary O’Neil has identified Maeda as a top target, with discussions now underway between the two clubs over a transfer fee.
The Japan World Cup star endured a difficult start to last season after a proposed move to Wolfsburg collapsed at the end of August.
However, Maeda recovered strongly and played a key role in helping Celtic clinch a dramatic league and Scottish Cup Double in the closing weeks of the campaign.
Celtic boss Martin O’Neill previously stated he would prefer Maeda to see out the remaining year of his deal but confirmed he would not block a move if an acceptable offer arrived.
Maeda has spoken openly to media in Japan about his desire to play in the Premier League, leaving little doubt about his intentions heading into the summer window.
He said: “I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League ever since I went to Celtic, so I think this year might be my chance.”
Maeda added: “My strongest desire is to play in the Premier League for at least a year. I haven’t really thought about what comes after that. I think it’s the best league, and I’m confident I can do it there, so that’s why I want to take on the challenge.”
The attacker also addressed the ongoing negotiations, saying: “It’s really not decided yet. It’s about negotiations between Celtic and the other party… Until that’s finalized, I still have one year left on my contract with Celtic.”
Maeda made clear that his destination is secondary to simply securing a Premier League move, telling reporters: “For me, it’s simply that I want to play in the Premier League, and I don’t care which team it is, I just want to play here.”
The player, originally signed by former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou, has become a cult figure among supporters in the Scottish Premiership during his time at the club.
Ipswich are understood to be pushing hard for a swift resolution, hoping to bring Maeda to Portman Road before the transfer window closes.
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