Daizen Maeda's Stellar Scottish Cup Final Marks Potential Celtic Exit
Celtic's recent triumph in the Scottish Cup final has sparked speculation about Daizen Maeda's future with the club. The Japanese international, who has made a significant impact during his time at Celtic, delivered a performance that drew comparisons to the legendary Henrik Larsson, as noted by former manager Martin O'Neill. In a thrilling match at Hampden, Maeda scored the opener, showcasing his skill with a lob over the Dunfermline goalkeeper. This goal marked his 17th of the season and his ninth in the last seven matches, solidifying his reputation as a key player during critical moments of the league. Despite a rocky start to the season, where he went 17 games without scoring, Maeda emerged as a vital asset in the title run-in, demonstrating a remarkable turnaround. As celebrations filled the air post-final, O'Neill received heartfelt tributes from fans, who are now left pondering the future of both their manager and Maeda. The atmosphere was charged with uncertainty, as supporters expressed their hope that this wasn't the last they would see of either figure. Maeda, who joined Celtic on loan from Yokohama Marinos in January 2022, quickly made his mark by scoring on his debut against Hibs. His time at the club has been characterized by both struggles and remarkable comebacks, making his potential departure all the more poignant. As the season concludes, Celtic fans are eager to see what lies ahead for Maeda and the club's management.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-05-23