Ipswich Town have wrapped up the signing of Japanese international Daizen Maeda from Celtic in a deal worth an initial £10 million, with the Scottish club having to reluctantly part with one of their most dynamic attackers to satisfy the striker's desire for Premier League football.
The 27-year-old has been one of the most consistent performers in Scottish football over the past four seasons, racking up a remarkable goal tally for Celtic while also proving himself a genuine threat on the international stage with Japan. His performances at the 2026 World Cup in North America caught the eye of several clubs, but it is Ipswich who have moved first and fastest to get the deal done.
Why Maeda Is Such a Smart Pickup for Ipswich
On the surface, the fee might seem steep for a player who has spent the bulk of his career in Scotland. But the numbers Maeda has posted for Celtic are genuinely impressive — he has averaged close to 20 goals per season in all competitions, and his work rate makes him one of the most exhausting forwards to defend against in Europe.
For a newly promoted or developing Premier League side like Ipswich, signing a proven finisher who has Champions League experience and knows how to play under pressure is exactly the kind of move that separates clubs with genuine ambition from those who merely survive. Manager Kieran McKenna has shown time and again that he knows how to identify and develop players who are slightly under the radar, and Maeda fits that profile precisely.
Maeda's ability to press from the front and run in behind also suits the direct style of play McKenna favours. He is not a player who needs the ball to his feet — he thrives on space, pace and second-ball situations, all of which Ipswich try to manufacture on a regular basis.
Celtic's Record Sale
The £10 million fee represents a record sale for Celtic, surpassing the money they received for previous high-profile departures. The club had reportedly been reluctant to sell, given that they still had European ambitions for the coming season, but Maeda's contract situation gave them little choice once Ipswich tabled a serious bid.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to Maeda in a brief statement, calling him "one of the most dedicated professionals" he had ever worked with and wishing him well in the Premier League.
What Maeda Brings to Ipswich
Maeda brings experience of playing in high-stakes matches, an elite engine, and the kind of instinctive finishing that is extremely hard to coach. He scored twice in Japan's group stage games at the 2026 World Cup and showed genuine quality in tight areas — something McKenna will be hoping he can replicate week in, week out at Portman Road.
Expect Maeda to go straight into the Ipswich starting lineup once pre-season is complete.
Keywords: Daizen Maeda Ipswich Town, Maeda Celtic transfer, Ipswich Town summer signing 2026, Premier League transfer news, Kieran McKenna, Celtic FC transfer, Japan 2026 World Cup
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