Japanese outlet Sponichi claim that Celtic are in the ‘final stages’ of completing a deal to sign Yokohama F. Marinos forward Daizen Maeda – with a fee of just £1.3million on the table.
Celtic spent around £5million to bring Kyogo Furuhashi to the club from Vissel Kobe and the Japan ace has instantly wowed fans – scoring 14 goals and laying on five assists in 23 appearances.
Now, Ange Postecoglou and Celtic will be hoping luck shines on them for a second time – by raiding his old side. Postecoglou signed Maeda back in summer of 2020, while still Marinos manager.
Initially on loan, Postecoglou made that deal permanent in January. Little surprise, given the two-time Japan ace scored 23 goals during the 2021 edition of the J-League. He is on his way to Celtic.
That is according to Sponichi, who claim a £1.3million deal is in the ‘final stages’ and just inches away from completion. Celtic are set to double their Japanese contingent, come January.
Maeda to Celtic: Kyogo comparison shows Celtic are getting a bargain
During the 2021 season, Kyogo left early – but did score 15 goals in 21 games. Costing £4.6million, Kyogo has proved to be a wonderful signing, but Maeda’s stats are arguably better.
While Kyogo played up top, Maeda has played the majority of his 40 appearances this season from the left flank. Scoring 23 times from the left is impressive – and a bargain at just £1.3million.
Comparing the two, they were equally as effective in Japanese football last season. But for a bargain £1.3million, Celtic could be about to pull of a wonderful bit of business.
