Celtic and Brendan Rodgers have now reportedly made a significant decision regarding the future of a four-time Scottish Premiership champion.
Rodgers linked with foreign move away from Celtic
It hasn’t been the happiest start to the season for the Hoops, following a disappointing summer, with the 0-0 draw at home to Rangers proving to be a turgid affair.
All doesn’t appear to be well regarding Rodgers, having been frustrated during the summer transfer window, and journalist Alan Nixon believes a move to a foreign club appeals to the Northern Irishman next, despite links with the Nottingham Forest job.
It remains to be seen how long Rodgers’ second stint at Celtic lasts, but it is a tumultuous period in the club’s history, summed up by the statement they released days ago, with Michael Stewart calling it a PR disaster.
“Talk about not being able to read the room. Of course, they were under pressure and felt like they had to speak but they’d have been better just being quiet than coming out with that. At no juncture in that statement did the Celtic board actually say, ‘you know what, it’s not been as good as we hoped’. That statement could’ve been one word – ‘sorry’.”
Celtic make huge decision regarding "physical beast"
According to Football Insider, Celtic and Rodgers have decided that Daizen Maeda is not for sale when the January transfer window opens, despite him pushing for an exit which was blocked by Parkhead chiefs.
It is claimed that the Hoops have “blocked his potential transfer” away from Parkhead “due to their lack of depth in forward areas” between now and the end of the season, with Maeda himself admitting he wanted out of Celtic Park over the summer.
Maeda is contracted at the club until the summer of 2027, so time is running out if they want to eventually receive a fee for him, but keeping hold of him for the time being does make sense.
Celtic cannot afford to be in a position where they don’t have enough firepower in their ranks, following such a forgettable summer of attacking signings, and the £25m-rated Japanese is a player who has been lauded as a “physical beast” by coaches and also hailed by Rodgers in the past.
“He’s been absolutely brilliant wherever he’s played, however he’s played, he’s had an amazing season. He earns every penny and we feel as a club he deserves more. He doesn’t give away much, other than saying he’s very happy.”
Maeda is still searching for his first league goal of the season after four appearances, which is unlike him, but the four-time Scottish Premiership champion is too good a player not to find some form sooner rather than later.
It could well be the 27-year-old’s final season in a Celtic shirt, however, in order to avoid losing him on a free transfer in 2027, and Rodgers will hope he can see the best of him again before next May arrives.