Ipswich sign Japan forward Maeda from Celtic

Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Japan forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic on a three-year contract. The 28-year-old joins the Premier League club in a deal reported to be worth approximately £10 million.

Maeda was part of Japan's squad at the 2026 World Cup, reaching the round of 32 before being eliminated by Brazil. During his time at Celtic, he scored 79 goals in 212 appearances, winning five league titles, three Scottish Cups, and two League Cups.

"I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League and I am very happy I can realise that dream with this club," Maeda told Ipswich's website. "My aim will always be to battle hard, score goals, and provide assists for my team - I will always run and give everything that I have."

Ipswich manager Gary O'Neil, who took over in the summer after Kieran McKenna's departure, believes Maeda will be "a valuable member" of his squad. "He works extremely hard and has impressive physical attributes, while also proving over a number of years playing in Scotland that he has the ability to score goals and create for his team," said O'Neil.

Maeda joins Ipswich after they secured promotion back to the top flight by finishing second in the Championship last season under McKenna. The club has also added defender Issa Diop, winger Abdul Fatawu, striker Emersonn, and goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen, while defender Cedric Kipre and forward Chuba Akpom have joined permanently after successful loans.

In a social media post, Maeda addressed the Celtic fans, saying: "The last four and a half years at Celtic have been the most special chapter of my career and my life. It has been an incredible honour to wear this badge, to play for this amazing club, and to share so many unforgettable moments with my teammates, the staff, and the best supporters in the world. Thank you for standing by me through every high and low."

Maeda joined Celtic in 2022 as a relatively unknown J-League attacker, initially on loan in December before making a permanent move the following summer. His pace and energy proved crucial, and he is especially remembered for the 2025-26 season, when after struggling to replace Kyogo Furuhashi, he was deployed as a centre-forward. Following a difficult run, he scored seven goals in five Premiership games, including a vital winner in the final-day decider against Hearts to secure the title. In his last match for Celtic, he scored in the Scottish Cup final victory over Dunfermline Athletic.

"His relentless energy and vital goals were an essential part of the team over the past four-and-a-half years, and he was a firm favourite with Celtic fans," said a Celtic statement. "As he heads on to pastures new at Ipswich Town, everyone at Celtic thanks Daizen for his contribution to the club over the past few years and we wish him all the best for the future."