Overview
- Reports on Tuesday say Ipswich and Celtic have agreed terms in principle for Maeda with an initial fee of about £8m rising to £10m with add‑ons and a medical expected later this week.
- Maeda, 28, has one year left on his Celtic contract and publicly said he wants to play in the Premier League, urging Celtic to lower their asking price to help a move happen.
- Ipswich manager Gary O'Neil has identified Maeda as a top target and the club are pursuing a quick transfer so the forward can join the squad after the team's training camp.
- Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has previously said he would not block a move if an acceptable bid arrived, leaving the club open to selling while Maeda still has transfer value.
- Maeda is an established Japan international who scored at the 2026 World Cup and won multiple trophies with Celtic, and the deal could affect Ipswich’s recruitment and Celtic’s plans for a replacement.