Wilfried Nancy says Daizen Maeda is content at Celtic and does not expect a January exit, despite earlier transfer interest. Nancy stresses Maeda is an important part of Celtic’s attack as the club tries to recover from a poor defence of the Scottish Premiership title.
Maeda has already produced seven goals and six assists in 26 matches this season. Those numbers follow his strongest campaign in Scotland, when Maeda scored 33 goals and supplied 11 assists in all competitions, underlining consistent end product for Celtic during a difficult period for the team.
Nancy addresses the renewed transfer speculation by stressing Maeda’s current mindset at Celtic. Nancy said: “He’s really happy here. I know he had the opportunity to leave before, but for the moment, he’s with us and he’s happy to be here. Yes, for sure, we’d like to keep him and he knows that. I hope that he’s going to stay.”
The forward asked to leave during the most recent transfer window, as Maeda told Japanese media in September. Brendan Rodgers confirmed knowledge of that wish, saying the request dated back to February, but the move never happened and Maeda now works under former Columbus Crew coach Nancy.
Since arriving from Yokohama F. Marinos on an initial loan in January 2022, Maeda has helped Celtic win four Scottish Premiership titles and four domestic cups. No Celtic player has scored more goals than Maeda’s 69 in that spell, and Maeda leads the club with 102 goal contributions, including 33 assists.
| Season | Club | Goals | Assists | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Celtic | 7 | 6 | 26 |
| 2022-23 | Celtic | 33 | 11 | All competitions |
Celtic and Daizen Maeda: tactical role under Wilfried Nancy
Nancy highlights Maeda’s flexibility across the front line for Celtic. This season Maeda has played 45% of minutes as centre forward, 33% on the left, and 23% on the right. That mix allows different structures as Celtic search for better attacking balance under the new head coach.
Nancy explains in detail how Celtic use Maeda’s movement. Nancy said: “When he starts in the middle, he makes runs to the side to attack. When he starts on the side, he makes the run towards the net. So, it’s all these situations. After that, he can be good also as a number nine, but he needs players around him. He’s a player who can keep the ball, but he likes to make runs, he likes to combine. But also, tactically, he’s really interesting because when I have him in the side, I know that something will happen.”
Celtic and Daizen Maeda: January window and team form
Despite valuing Maeda, Nancy accepts Celtic might still need extra forwards in January. Nancy said: “We’ll see what we’re going to do with that. My job is to analyse my players first and, after that, I will see what I am going to do.”
Nancy’s start at Celtic has been challenging, with four straight defeats, including a 3-1 loss to St. Mirren in the Scottish League Cup final. Celtic then earned Nancy’s first victory with a 3-1 win over Aberdeen, and the team next visits Livingston in the Premiership on Saturday.
Maeda’s output, versatility and apparent willingness to stay give Nancy a reliable option as Celtic try to stabilise results. With questions over attacking depth and a key transfer window approaching, Maeda’s role and future are central to how Celtic plan the remainder of the season.