​On 14 January 2026, at the Falkirk Stadium in Falkirk, Scotland, a Scottish Premiership fixture saw Falkirk host Celtic, featuring Daizen Maeda of Celtic. The Japanese forward had finished the previous season in striking form, netting nine goals across Celtic’s final seven matches and playing a pivotal role in securing the domestic double. Despite a preseason expectation that Maeda would depart for Wolfsburg last summer, he remained with Celtic, though speculation about his future has resurfaced now that his contract has just one year remaining.
Manager Brendan O’Neill, rather than opting for a sale, indicated a preference that Maeda might follow a path similar to Henrik Larsson by staying through the end of his contract at the Hoops before moving on. In an interview with the Daily Record, O’Neill offered a candid perspective: “There’s a sense of resignation in this regard. It isn’t one of those scenarios where a player has a year left and we’re trying to cash in. It’s not that at all. Personally, I’d love it if he simply let his contract run through and continued to play for us for another year.” He added, “Honestly, it would be superb. I don’t know whether that idea sits with him or his agent.” He drew a parallel with Larsson, who told him a year in advance that, although his contract was winding down, he intended to stay for his final season. Larsson’s last campaign at Celtic was outstanding, even though he had made clear it would be his last. The only difference in Maeda’s case is that he has a year still to run, and there isn’t an agenda to extract maximum financial gain. “It’s not a tactic to squeeze every penny,” O’Neill stressed. “For me personally, I’d love him to stay. Whether that comes to pass remains to be seen.”
O’Neill also addressed the current uncertainty around Reo Hatate, who missed Celtic’s recent trip to Ireland due to illness. The manager acknowledged that Hatate could be weighing up a new challenge but expressed willingness to retain him if no move materializes. The 74-year-old manager reflected on Hatate’s impact since joining the club, noting that some observers might regard him as among Scotland’s best players in recent years. “I think Reo might be looking to explore new pastures,” O’Neill observed. “I’ll judge things as they unfold with him, as with everything else; this period can be unsettling for players, much like Maeda.” He emphasized his desire to keep Maeda but acknowledged the reality that a well-run club must consider all possibilities. “I’d love to keep him at Celtic. He’s been remarkable, and with a year left, I’d be disappointed if he left, but he could not have done more for us.”
As for Maeda himself, O’Neill conveyed a sense of mutual respect and a clear understanding of the player’s potential options. If Maeda does depart, the manager suggested, it would be regrettable yet unsurprising given the nature of professional football, where players continually weigh opportunities and career trajectories. The interview underscored Celtic’s willingness to explore all avenues, while also highlighting the club’s desire to see Maeda extend his stay and contribute further on the pitch. The conversation around Hatate’s future remained open-ended, reflecting the broader atmosphere of tournament-time speculation that swirls around players with dwindling contract horizons and the lure of fresh opportunities abroad. In summary, while the club would be thrilled to retain Maeda’s services for another season, the decision would ultimately rest with the player and his representatives, with the club prepared to respond accordingly to whatever path unfolds.