DAIZEN MAEDA is in line to be rewarded for his outstanding form with a bumper new contract from Celtic.
The Japanese international speedster has fired in 28 goals this season to keep the champions on course for a ninth treble.
Maeda’s current terms run until June 2027, but the Hoops believe his stunning form should be recognised with an enhanced deal, according to a report in the Scottish Sun.
The versatile 27-year-old attacker was signed by former boss Ange Postecoglou in January 2022 after they had worked together at Yokohama F Marinos. The new Bhoy scored within 10 minutes of his debut in a 2-0 win over Hibs at Parkhead to give the Celtic fans a glimpse of what they could expect.
THE WINNER…Daizen Maeda fires in the penalty-kick that sealed the Premier Sports League Cup for Celtic at Hampden in December.
Maeda has claimed 57 strikes in 149 appearances and his consistency has been incredible, whether he’s performing on the wing or leading the line.
He answered an SOS from the club in January after his compatriot Kyogo Furuhashi left in a £10million switch to French side Rennes.
The anticipated replacement signing from Brendan Rodgers never materialised and it was left to Maeda to accept the challenge alongside Adam Idah to spearhead the frontline for the remainder of the campaign.
The jet-heeled performer, on course for the Celtic Player of the Year award, has remained tightlipped about his next move and when he was asked recently about his future, he replied: “Well, I am not sure, that’s a difficult question.
“While I am here, I always want to fight and play for Celtic. I want to keep focusing and playing for the team.”
Boss Rodgers is clearly an admirer and is on record as saying: “Daizen is a great symbol for our team and the collective, he brings the highest level of intensity we want.
“He is deserving of everything he’s getting so far and he’s developing as a football player.”
The Celtic support hope that development will continue at Parkhead.
