Overview
- Manager Martin O'Neill has publicly said Celtic will not block Maeda if he pursues a move to the English Premier League and called the forward deserving of the opportunity.
- Maeda is entering the final 12 months of his contract and is widely expected to leave this summer rather than run down his deal.
- The Japan international could make his last appearance for Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden as he finishes a four-and-a-half year spell in Glasgow.
- Since joining from Yokohama F. Marinos in January 2022 Maeda has scored about 78 goals in more than 200 appearances and could finish with roughly 10 major honours if Celtic win the cup.
- Celtic face a succession task if Maeda departs, with young striker Callum Osmand highlighted as a potential internal replacement and the club under pressure to sell or renew other senior players this transfer window.