Future of Daizen Maeda at Celtic Sparks Debate
The conclusion of the 2024/25 season might have been underwhelming as Celtic lost to Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final.
However, looking at the bigger picture, it was yet another fruitful season for Celtic, largely thanks to Daizen Maeda.
The Japan international achieved a remarkable tally of 33 goals across all competitions, with four of those coming in the Champions League.
This impressive performance earned Maeda the PFA Player of the Year, but with this recognition comes heightened transfer speculation, mainly focusing on a potential summer exit.
Recently, Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce has emerged as a frequent contender in discussions around Maeda’s future.
Fans’ Reactions to Proposed Transfer Fee for Maeda
Initially, a transfer fee of approximately £10 million was floated regarding Maeda’s future, but many fans reacted negatively.
Now, reports indicate that Celtic is valuing Maeda at £25 million, yet even this figure has not satisfied fans who feel it’s still too low.
Supporters at Celtic Park are insisting on a higher valuation, emphasizing Maeda’s vital contributions and urging that he has reached a stage where he is nearly irreplaceable, as expressed on social media.
One user, @TheParkheadF, stated: ‘Multiple reports from Türkiye indicate that Celtic have rejected Fenerbahce’s low opening bid for Daizen Maeda, signaling it will take at least £25 million to secure him. We must keep him at all costs.’
Focus on Jose Mourinho’s Position at Fenerbahce
While Jose Mourinho is a fan favorite among Celtic supporters, he has faced challenges during his initial season at Fenerbahce.
Galatasaray recently secured the Turkish championship, leaving questions about Mourinho’s roster enhancements.
Despite the exit of sporting director Mario Branco, reports, including one from Fabrizio Romano, suggest that Mourinho will remain in charge, though speculations about his future persist.
This situation raises questions about how Fenerbahce’s management could impact their pursuit of Maeda, especially as rumors linger.
