Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has paid a heartfelt tribute to Daizen Maeda following the Japanese international’s move to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town. While disappointed to lose one of his most influential players, O’Neill admitted he understood the forward’s desire to test himself in England and wished him every success in the next chapter of his career.
Maeda completed a reported £10 million transfer to Ipswich after establishing himself as one of Celtic’s most reliable performers. His relentless work rate, pace, pressing ability, and eye for goal made him a fan favorite at Celtic Park, where he helped the club win multiple domestic trophies during his time in Glasgow. The 28-year-old now joins Gary O’Neil’s Ipswich side as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.
Speaking after Celtic’s preseason draw with AC Milan, O’Neill acknowledged that replacing a player of Maeda’s quality would not be easy. He praised the Japan international for the impact he made, particularly during the closing weeks of last season when Celtic were searching for goals.
“He has been terrific and has been a cult hero,” O’Neill said. “He ended his time with us on such a high. He was absolutely fantastic for us.” The manager admitted he was “really disappointed” to see Maeda leave but recognized that the opportunity to play in the Premier League had always been one of the player’s ambitions.
O’Neill also explained that Celtic had previously tried to keep Maeda by offering him an improved contract, but the player remained determined to pursue his dream of playing in England. With Maeda entering the final year of his contract, Celtic accepted that selling him this summer represented the best solution for all parties.
For Ipswich Town, the signing represents another significant statement of intent. The newly promoted club has been active in the transfer market as it looks to strengthen its squad for the challenges of the Premier League. Maeda’s experience at both club and international level, combined with his exceptional work ethic, should make him an ideal fit for O’Neil’s high-energy style of football.
Celtic, meanwhile, have wasted little time planning for life after Maeda. The Scottish champions are moving to sign Danish striker Kasper Høgh in what is expected to be a club-record transfer. O’Neill believes the new arrival can provide the goals Celtic will need, while also revealing that more transfer business could follow before the window closes.
Maeda leaves Celtic with his reputation firmly established as one of the club’s most committed and popular players. His tireless pressing, selfless running, and crucial goals earned him the admiration of supporters, teammates, and coaching staff alike. His emotional farewell message to fans reflected how much the club and the city of Glasgow meant to him after four memorable years.
As Ipswich prepare for a demanding Premier League campaign, they will hope Maeda can reproduce the form that made him one of Scotland’s standout performers. Celtic supporters, meanwhile, will remember him fondly as a player who always gave everything for the badge, while Martin O’Neill’s comments underline the respect and appreciation the Japanese forward earned during his successful spell in Glasgow.
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