Ipswich Town sign Japan forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic for £10m

Ipswich Town sign Japan forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic for £10m

Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Japanese forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic on a three-year contract. The Premier League club announced the arrival of the 28-year-old on Saturday.

The transfer package is worth up to £10 million, consisting of an initial £8 million payment to the Scottish side and £2 million in add-ons. The deal secures Maeda's services until the summer of 2029.

Maeda becomes the first Japanese player in the history of Ipswich Town. He joins Gary O'Neil's squad as the club prepares for the 2026/27 Premier League season. While some reports list him as the club's fifth signing of the close season, other accounts identify him as the seventh summer arrival. He follows a recruitment drive that includes Abdul Fatawu from Leicester for £20 million, Emersonn from Toulouse for £26 million, Issa Diop from Fulham for £8.5 million, and Kayne van Oevelen from FC Volendam for £3.4 million.

The versatile attacker, who can play in any forward position but predominantly operates from the left, arrives with a decorated record from Glasgow. Since joining Celtic in 2022, Maeda made 212 appearances and scored 79 goals, while contributing 37 assists. His tenure with the Hoops included five Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups, and two Scottish 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. I have loved all of the conversations with the club, and they have made me feel very welcome,"

Daizen Maeda, player, via tribalfootball.com

Gary O'Neil praised the new signing's work ethic and physical capabilities.

"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,"

Gary O'Neil, manager, via ipswichstar.co.uk

Maeda's move comes shortly after his participation in the 2026 World Cup in North America. A mainstay for Japan, he earned 30 senior caps and started three of his country's four matches during the tournament. He scored five goals in 30 appearances for Japan, including the opening goal in a 1-1 draw against Sweden during the group stage last month.

Before his time in Scotland, Maeda played for J1 League club Yokohama F. Marinos and spent a loan period with the Portuguese club Maritimo.

Following the announcement, Maeda shared an emotional farewell to the Celtic community, stating that his four and a half years at the club were the most special chapter of his life and career.

The departure of the Japan international coincided with Celtic's own recruitment activity. The Scottish champions have agreed to a club-record fee of £11 million-plus to sign 25-year-old Danish forward Kasper Hogh from Bodo/Glimt, a deal expected to surpass the previous record paid for Arne Engels.

Maeda is now integrating with his new teammates as Ipswich Town prepares to open their campaign against Sunderland on August 22.