Transfer to Ipswich
Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Japanese forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic on a three-year contract, with the Premier League club paying a reported fee of £10 million ($13 million). The 28-year-old becomes Ipswich's first ever Japanese player. The deal is worth an initial £8 million plus £2 million in add-ons, according to reports. Maeda had a year left on his Celtic contract and completed a medical in London on Friday.[S1][S2][S3][S5][S6]
Maeda began his professional career at Matsumoto Yamaga in Japan's second tier before loan spells at Mito HollyHock and Maritimo in Portugal. He moved to Yokohama F Marinos in 2020 and impressed, winning the J1 League Golden Boot in 2021 with 23 goals. His performances earned him a move to Celtic. He also earned 30 caps for Japan, scoring five goals, and was part of the 2022 and 2026 World Cup squads.[S1][S3][S6]
Celtic Impact
During his four and a half years at Celtic, Maeda scored 79 goals in 212 appearances, winning five Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups, and two Scottish League Cups. He was known for his relentless energy and pressing abilities, which made him a fan favourite. He also scored four goals in the UEFA Champions League and seven goals plus five assists against Rangers. His pressing stats were among the best in Europe.[S1][S2][S5][S6]
Maeda expressed his delight at joining Ipswich, stating, 'I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League and I am very happy I can realise that dream with this club.' He added that he will 'battle hard, score goals, and provide assists' for his team, and said, 'I will always run and give everything that I have.' In a farewell message, he thanked the Celtic family, calling his time there 'the most special chapter of my career and my life.' The club's official statement thanked him for his contribution.[S1][S3][S6]
Manager's Confidence
Ipswich manager Gary O'Neil expressed confidence in Maeda's abilities, saying, 'He works extremely hard and has impressive physical attributes, while also proving that he can score goals and create for his team.' O'Neil noted that Maeda will be a valuable member of the squad and has been working towards playing in the Premier League throughout his career. Ipswich have also added defender Issa Diop, winger Abdul Fatawu, striker Emersonn, and goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen this summer, along with permanent deals for Cedric Kipre and Chuba Akpom.[S1][S2][S6]
Ipswich earned promotion to the Premier League by finishing second in the Championship last season under former manager Kieran McKenna. O'Neil took over in the summer. Maeda joins as the club's fifth signing of the close season, and they begin their campaign against Sunderland on August 22. The club is looking forward to integrating Maeda into the squad ahead of the new season.[S1][S3][S6]
World Cup Experience
Maeda was part of Japan's squad at the 2026 World Cup in North America, where he started three of Japan's four matches. He scored Japan's goal in a 1-1 draw with Sweden in the group stage. Japan reached the last 32 before losing to Brazil. He scored five goals in 30 appearances for Japan overall and also featured at the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.[S1][S3][S6]
