Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Japan forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic on a three-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Thursday. The 28-year-old arrives in a reported £10m deal after scoring 79 goals in 212 appearances for Celtic, where he won five league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups.
Maeda, who represented Japan at the 2026 World Cup and helped them reach the last 32 before elimination by Brazil, said joining Ipswich fulfilled a long-held ambition. "I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League and I am very happy I can realise that dream with this club," he told Ipswich's website. "I have loved all of the conversations with the club and they have made me feel very welcome. My aim will always be to battle hard, score goals, and provide assists for my team - I will always run and give everything that I have."
“Ipswich sign Japan's Daizen Maeda from Celtic on a three-year contract for a reported £10m.”
Ipswich manager Gary O'Neil, who took over at Portman Road in the summer following Kieran McKenna's departure, believes Maeda will be "a valuable member" of his squad. "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," O'Neil said.
The Tractor Boys, promoted back to the top flight after finishing second in the Championship under McKenna last season, have added Maeda to a busy window that already includes defender Issa Diop, winger Abdul Fatawu, striker Emersonn and goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen. Defender Cedric Kipre and forward Chuba Akpom also signed permanently after successful loans last season.
In a social media post to the "Celtic family", Maeda said "the last four and a half years at Celtic have been the most special chapter of my career and my life". He added: "It has been an incredible honour to wear this badge, to play for this amazing club, and to share so many unforgettable moments with my teammates, the staff, and the best supporters in the world. Thank you for standing by me through every high and low."
Maeda's departure leaves a significant gap at Celtic, where his pace and energy made him a key figure during the Ange Postecoglou era. He initially joined on loan from Yokohama F Marinos in late December 2022 before making the move permanent the following summer, and his 2025-26 campaign is what he will be most fondly remembered for at the club.
