The Japan international could be heading to England
James Smailes
11:50, 14 Nov 2025
Daizen Maeda
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Daizen Maeda(Image: Getty Images)
Japanese international Daizen Maeda could be on his way to the Premier League in January, with Leeds United among a number of clubs being linked with an interest in the forward.
The 28-year-old forward has been a big hit at Celtic over the past three years, but it looks like his time in Scotland could be coming to an end, with his departure paving the way for the incoming new Hoops boss to change his squad in the January transfer window.
Leeds are not alone in their reported interest, with basement strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers also linked, alongside West Ham United and Everton.
Maeda was reportedly keen to leave Celtic in the summer and made his feelings clear late in the window, but with the club standing in his way of an exit as they felt there was not suitable time to bring in a replacement. That shouldn't be an issue in January, with some reports putting a £15m valuation on the forward.
Able to play as a lone striker, but often utilised in his career as an attacking winger, Maeda will know Leeds all too well from his international team-mate Ao Tanka, with both players coming into the international set-up around the same time. Tanaka has been a big hit with supporters since arriving at Elland Road and was last year named in the Championship team of the year.
Leeds are widely expected to enter the transfer market in January in an attempt to strengthen their attacking options, with a player who can operate across the front line a major attraction for manager Daniel Farke.
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