Leeds United, Everton, West Ham and Wolves handed transfer incentive as potential Celtic exit mooted
Celtic could reportedly sanction a January exit for Leeds United, Everton, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers-linked forward Daizen Maeda.
The 28-year-old was strongly linked with a move away from Celtic in the summer, but was still on the books of the Scottish giants when the transfer deadline passed.
He has since been linked with Leeds, who appear to be in need of some strengthening in the final third.
However, there has also been talk of interest from the likes of Everton, West Ham and Wolves.
Daizen Maeda latest
According to Football Insider, Celtic may look at the possibility of offloading Maeda mid-season if interest emerges.
The outlet’s correspondent Pete O’Rourke said: “There is an opportunity for Celtic to cash in on Daizen Maeda. He’s definitely not been at his best this season.
“He’s probably been a bit distracted by all that transfer speculation over the summer, maybe a bit disappointed that he didn’t get his move away in the summer transfer window which he hoped for.
“For Celtic right now, I don’t think they can afford to let him go without bringing in a replacement first and foremost. He’s obviously a player who is maybe a bit unhappy with his situation right now.
“He’s under contract until 2027. If there is interest in Maeda in the January window, it’s maybe something Celtic will look at to allow the player to move and get the move that he wished he got in the summer.”
Daizen Maeda’s Celtic success
Maeda initially joined Celtic on loan from Yokohama F. Marinos in his native Japan on December 31, 2021.
His move was later made permanent and he has scored 66 goals in 175 appearances for the Bhoys, scooping the Scottish Premiership title on four occasions. He can operate up front or on either flank.
He would arguably be a coup for Leeds, who are among the lowest scorers in the Premier League this term. Only Wolves, who are rooted to the bottom of the table, have registered fewer goals than the Whites.