Glasgow Celtic Star ‘Pushes’ For Parkhead Exit

Daizen Maeda has admitted he wanted to leave Celtic in the summer, handing Brendan Rodgers a major selection dilemma ahead of January.

The Japanese international’s revelation has sparked fresh scrutiny of the Parkhead board following a window many supporters already viewed as disappointing.

Maeda unsettled after blocked move

Sources have confirmed that Maeda asked to depart during the last transfer window, only for Celtic to reject approaches and insist he remain in Glasgow. The forward, who notched 33 goals and 12 assists last season, is now reported to be unsettled by the stance taken and may again attract offers in January.

Rodgers, tasked with maintaining momentum in the title race, has been left to manage the situation carefully.

“It’s an unwanted headache,” one insider told the Inside Track podcast. “For Maeda to come out publicly and say he wanted to move, but Celtic blocked it, is not a great sign. That interest will likely return in January.”

Alan Hutton described Maeda as “genuinely incredible” in an interview with The Celtic Star, underlining how much of a blow his departure would be. Yet the issue comes against the backdrop of criticism of the club’s failure to secure top forward targets in the summer window.

Rodgers left short in striking options

Following Kyogo Furuhashi’s exit, Maeda has frequently been deployed as a central striker, despite being more comfortable on the left wing. Celtic’s only major attacking addition was the capture of Kelechi Iheanacho, after Adam Idah moved to Swansea City, a signing met with a muted response from fans.

The Glasgow side also turned down the chance to bring in Patrick Bamford after his Leeds United departure, a decision that now looks costly. With Maeda openly considering his future, Celtic are exposed in a position they had already failed to strengthen.

Reports indicate that the club will again resist letting Maeda leave mid-season, but that determination could be tested by renewed interest and a player’s own desire for a fresh challenge. Maximising his value in January has been suggested as one route, though such a move would risk derailing Celtic’s campaign without an adequate replacement lined up.

Site Opinion

Celtic find themselves in a precarious position. Maeda has been central to Rodgers’ plans, carrying the forward line with tireless energy and a prolific scoring record. Yet his admission of wanting to leave speaks volumes about the current atmosphere at Parkhead.

The failure to secure strikers in the summer has left the club reliant on him, and losing the Japanese star mid-season could be disastrous. If Celtic are to retain control of their destiny, the board must either convince Maeda to commit or finally deliver the reinforcements Rodgers requires. Anything less risks turning supporter unrest into outright mutiny.