Ipswich Town have signed Japan forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic in a reported £10m deal, bringing a five-time Scottish Premiership winner to Portman Road on a contract until summer 2029.
The 28-year-old, who scored 79 goals in 212 appearances for Celtic and helped Japan reach the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup, said he had always dreamed of playing in the Premier League. “I am very happy I can realise that dream with this club,” Maeda told Ipswich’s website. “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 Town complete £10m signing of Japan forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic on a three-year deal.”
Maeda’s arrival caps a busy window for the Tractor Boys, who won promotion back to the top flight as Championship runners-up under Kieran McKenna last season. McKenna left in the summer, replaced by Gary O’Neil, and the new manager 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.
Ipswich have also added defender Issa Diop, winger Abdul Fatawu, striker Emersonn and goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen, while defender Cedric Kipre and forward Chuba Akpom 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 had 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.”