DAIZEN MAEDA has followed countryman Kyogo Furuhashi and penned an enhanced four-year contract at Celtic.
The 25-year-old Japan World Cup winger, who joined the Hoops along with Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi in January 2022, became an instant hit at the club when he scored inside four minutes of his debut in a 2-0 win over Hibs at Parkhead.
Maeda has won two Premiership titles amd featured in the League Cup and Scottish Cup triumphs in the season just ended. He has also claimed 19 goals in 81 appearances as well as being instrumental in setting up so many more.
The fleet-footed forward said: “It is a very happy moment for me and my family. Since we moved from Japan, everyone at the club and, of course, the supporters have been amazing and we are enjoying our life in Scotland.
JOY BHOYS…Celtic’s Japanese contingent Tomoki Iwata, Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi and Yuki Kobayashi celebrate the 3-1 Scottish Cup Final success over Inverness Caley Thistle to seal the treble.
“Celtic is a special club, so I’m very pleased to extend my stay here.
“When I signed I said that my ultimate goal was to win the league and we have done so, twice.
“Becoming a treble winner last season has been one of the highlights of my career, but we must now prepare for next season.”
Maeda, speaking to the Celtic website, added: “Our aim will remain the same, to work hard together with the manager to bring success to the club and our supporters.
“We have three trophies to defend, and we also have Champions League football, so I am excited to get started.”
Last week Kyogo, who has scored 64 goals for the club since his £4.6million arrival from Vissel Kobe in July 2021, signed a new four-year contract with the champions.
The fans’ favourite will be 32 when his deal expires and has practically committed himself to the Hoops for life.
