Celtic forward Daizen Maeda signs new four-year contract until 2027

Celtic have announced that Japanese forward Daizen Maeda has signed a new four-year contract with the club.

The 25-year-old initially joined the Hoops on loan in January 2022 before making his move permanent last summer, and he has since established himself as a first-team regular for the Scottish giants.

Maeda has scored 19 goals and provided 12 assists in 79 appearances for Celtic across all tournaments, including 11 goals and seven assists in 49 games to help the club win a Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and League Cup treble last season.

The Japan international follows in the footsteps of club and international teammate Kyogo Furuhashi in signing a new deal with Celtic, with both players committing their futures to the club until the summer of 2027.

Speaking to Celtic's official website about his new deal, Maeda said: "It is a very happy moment for me and my family. Since we moved from Japan, everyone at the club and, of course, the supporters have been amazing and we are enjoying our life in Scotland.

⚡ #DAIZEN2027 ⚡

We are very happy to announce that our Treble-Winning winger, Daizen Maeda has signed a new four-year deal with the Club! 🇯🇵💚#CelticFC🍀@M_daizen_1020

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 6, 2023

"Celtic is a special club so I'm very pleased to extend my stay here. When I signed I said that my ultimate goal was to win the league and we have done so, twice.

"Becoming a treble winner last season has been one of the highlights of my career but we must now prepare for next season. Our aim will remain the same, to work hard together with the manager to bring success to the club and our supporters.

"We have three trophies to defend, and we also have Champions League football, so I am excited to get started."

Manager Brendan Rodgers added: "Daizen has many qualities that I like in a player – high intensity, attack-minded and his work rate on and off the ball is exceptional.

© Reuters

"He has played a key role in the team since he arrived, helping to secure yet another treble for the club so I am delighted we have been able to secure a new deal with him.

"Daizen's attributes make him a really exciting player and I am looking forward to working with him."

While both Maeda and Furuhashi have penned fresh terms at Parkhead, another star attacker in the form of Jota has left the club to join Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad in a £25m deal.

Aaron Mooy has also departed after announcing his retirement from football, while two fresh faces in Odin Thiago Holm and Marco Tilio have joined the club on permanent deals.

Celtic are preparing for a pre-season tour of Japan before they begin their defence of the Scottish Premiership title away against Ross County on August 5.