Maeda is set to be offered a mega new contract according to a report
Daizen Maeda is set to be rewarded for his stunning Celtic form with a huge new contract, according to a report.
The Japan star has scored an almighty 28 goals already this season and looks virtually nailed-on to be named the club’s player of the season.
He’s stood up to be counted in the absence of Kyogo and is playing by far the best football since his move from Yokohama F. Marinos in 2022.
His current Celtic contract runs until 2027 so there is no huge rush to tie him down.
But he’s set to be rewarded anyway according to the Scottish Sun. It’s claimed they are set to table a new deal to the 27-year-old which they hope will be lucrative enough to ward off interest from elsewhere in his services.
He was asked about his future earlier this month but coyly said: “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.”
Maeda has been a virtual ever-present under Brendan Rodgers with 42 starts and has averaged a goal for every 112 minutes of football he has played.
In total he’s scored 57 times in 149 appearances for the club but his contributions go far beyond the goals themselves.
Maeda’s electric pace and energy down the left wing have been devastating at home and abroad – he scored and assisted against Bayern Munich as the Hoops took the Bundesliga leaders the distance in the Champions League knockouts.
Brendan Rodgers previously said on Maeda: “I would think Daizen would be getting interest. If you’re doing it at a Champions League level, you’re showing you can do it on that stage.
“If you’re scoring goals like he has, working as hard as he does, then of course that will always bring attention. 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.”
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