BRENDAN RODGERS has welcomed Daizen Maeda’s decision to sign a new four-year deal at Celtic.
Following compatriot Kyogo Furuhashi’s lead, the Japanese World Cup winger pledged his future to the treble winners, as CQN reported yesterday.
Maeda has played an important role at the team since he arrived from Yokohama F Marinos as part of former boss Ange Postecoglou’s triple swoop on the J-League in January 2022 when he brought in the pacy forward along with midfielders Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi.
AIR WE GO…Daizen Maeda celebrates a headed goal in Celtic’s 4-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in April.
The 25-year-old international ace has scored 19 goals in his 81 appearances and has contributed heavily to strikes from his team-mates.
Second time-around gaffer Rodgers, speaking to the club website, said: “Daizen has many qualities that I like in a player – high intensity, attack-minded and his work rate on and off the ball is exceptional.
“He has played a key role in the team since he arrived, helping to secure yet another teble for the club, so I am delighted we have been able to secure a new deal with him.
“Daizen’s attributes make him a really exciting player and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Maeda is looking forward to facing his former club Marinos a week on Wednesday as the champions prepare the defence of all three domestic honours won as they made world history with an eighth treble.
Rodgers and Co face Ross County in the Premiership opener on Flag Day at Parkhead on Saturday August 5 with a 12.30pm kick-off.
