Daizen Maeda is poised to take his final bow as a Celtic player this afternoon as he leads the line against Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park. The Japanese forward, who has become a firm favourite at Parkhead over the last four-and-a-half years, is expected to depart Glasgow this summer in pursuit of a new challenge, with the English Premier League his primary destination.
The news comes as interim Celtic manager Martin O’Neill delivered a candid update on the forward’s future, confirming that the club would not stand in the way of a move that the 28-year-old has “earned” through his tireless service to the club.
A Legacy of Speed and Goals
Since arriving from Yokohama F. Marinos in January 2022, Maeda has been a cornerstone of Celtic’s recent dominance. With 78 goals in over 200 appearances, he has proven to be one of the most effective signings of the post-Ange Postecoglou era. His ability to lead the press and his blistering pace have made him a nightmare for defenders, not least during a remarkable end to the 2025/26 campaign, where he scored seven goals in five league matches to help seal a fourth consecutive Premiership title.
Martin O’Neill, who has been full of praise for the forward’s recent form, compared his impact to club legend Henrik Larsson. “Daizen’s last seven weeks have been absolutely Larssonesque,” O’Neill remarked. “He has been the galvanising drive for us. He has been amazing.”
“Daizen has said that if he could get a chance to play in the Premier League, he would want to. I certainly wouldn’t stop him. There will be a queue of clubs down there wanting him now after this recent spell. He deserves it. He has paid his dues at this football club – massively.”
The Final Bow at Hampden
Today’s Scottish Cup final represents more than just a chance for silverware; it is an emotional curtain-call for a player who has won nine major honours in the green and white. With his contract set to expire next summer, Celtic are expected to cash in on the forward to avoid losing him for free. After a potential move to the Bundesliga’s VfL Wolfsburg collapsed last summer, the consensus among observers is that a Premier League suitor will now move quickly to secure the services of one of Scotland’s most potent attackers.
For Celtic supporters, this afternoon at Hampden will be a bittersweet occasion. While the team looks to secure a 43rd Scottish Cup title, the match will be remembered for the exit of a player who has consistently embodied the work rate and technical quality that defined Celtic’s recent championship-winning sides.
FAQ
Is Daizen Maeda officially leaving Celtic?
While there has been no official statement from the club regarding a transfer, interim manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Maeda intends to seek a move to the Premier League, and the club is prepared to let him go given his contract situation.
Why is today’s match described as his “final game”?
Today’s Scottish Cup final is widely viewed as Maeda’s last appearance for the club before a summer transfer. With his contract expiring next year, reports suggest he has already signalled his intent to pursue his “dream” of playing in England.
What is Daizen Maeda’s record at Celtic?
Maeda has had a stellar four-and-a-half years in Glasgow, recording 78 goals in over 200 appearances and winning nine major honours, including five league titles.
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As kick-off approaches at Barclays Hampden, all eyes will be on Maeda to see if he can sign off in the most spectacular fashion imaginable—by lifting another trophy. Whether he finds the net or not, his legacy at Parkhead is firmly secured, and the race for his signature this summer is set to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the transfer window.
