Ipswich Town have bolstered their squad with the acquisition of Japan forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic. The 28-year-old has committed to the Premier League newcomers on a three-year deal, set to run until the summer of 2029, in a move reportedly valued at £10 million. Maeda's arrival marks a significant statement of intent for the Tractor Boys as they prepare for their return to England's top flight.
Maeda, who represented Japan at the 2026 World Cup, brings a wealth of experience and a strong scoring record from his time in Scotland. During his four-and-a-half years at Celtic, he netted 79 goals in 212 appearances across all competitions. His tenure at Parkhead was highly successful, contributing to five Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups, and two League Cups.
Expressing his excitement about the transfer, Maeda stated on Ipswich's official website that playing in the Premier League has always been a dream. He added that discussions with the club had made him feel very welcome, and he is committed to working hard, scoring goals, and providing assists for his new team. His relentless energy and work rate are expected to be key attributes for Ipswich.
Ipswich manager Gary O'Neil, who took the helm at Portman Road this summer following Kieran McKenna's departure, views Maeda as a valuable addition to his squad. O'Neil highlighted Maeda's impressive physical attributes, hard work ethic, and proven goal-scoring and creative abilities demonstrated during his time in Scotland. The signing comes as Ipswich looks to build a competitive team after securing promotion from the Championship last season by finishing second.
Maeda joins a list of new arrivals at Ipswich, including defender Issa Diop, winger Abdul Fatawu, striker Emersonn, and goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen. Additionally, defender Cedric Kipre and forward Chuba Akpom have made their loan moves permanent after successful stints last season. Maeda's departure leaves a considerable void at Celtic, where he became a fan favourite, particularly for his crucial goals during the 2025-26 campaign, including a pivotal goal in the final-day title decider against Hearts and an opener in the Scottish Cup final.