Daizen Maeda drops transfer bombshell after revealing Celtic blocked a move away over the summer
A cult hero forward has committed his future to his club - despite wanting to leave in the summer transfer window.
Daizen Maeda has admitted he wanted to leave Celtic in the summer but was prevented from doing so after the club failed to secure replacements.
The Japan international, who still has two years left on his contract, said he made clear his wish to take the “next step” in his career clear before last season even ended. An offer arrived during the window, but Celtic shut down the move.
Maeda explained that talks with the club went right up until transfer deadline day, which delayed his arrival at the Japan squad camp in the United States.
“I joined the national team late and was in talks with Celtic until the final day, but it didn't work out,” he told Gekisaka. “I had an offer and had consistently communicated to my club that I wanted to take the next step in my career.
“However, Celtic ultimately couldn't secure the necessary reinforcements and told me they couldn't let me go. Personally, I had come to an understanding with the club, so I had the desire to take on this challenge.
“I'd been in constant talks with the club since before last season ended, consistently expressing my desire to take the next step. There were league matches, and we lost the Champions League qualifiers, so it was difficult.”
According to Johan Mjallby, Maeda is one of the most valuable footballers in Scotland, with Celtic able to get at least £50m for his services.
But regardless of how he feels, Maeda has committed his future to the club. He added: “Since I've decided to stay at Celtic, I want to give my all for the team.”