Celtic forward Daizen Maeda and Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
Credit: Imago
Aheed Abrar
Fri 14 November 2025 19:10, UK
Celtic forward Daizen Maeda was linked with Leeds United in the summer as Daniel Farke stared at Premier League promotion.
The German manager has been tasked with helping the Whites avoid an immediate drop to the Championship, but things don’t look rosy right now as they sit just one point above the relegation zone.
Speculations have swirled around Farke’s future at Elland Road after the West Yorkshire outfit lost to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at the City Ground on 9 November.
Maeda expressed his willingness to stay at Celtic in the previous transfer window, but it looks like the Peacocks may have a chance to make a move for him sooner rather than later.
Celtic star Daizen Maeda is linked with Leeds United.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
Daizen Maeda wants to leave Celtic after summer interest from Leeds United
Celtic are preparing for Maeda’s eventual departure with replacements being identified, according to the Daily Record.
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The news outlet reported on 12 November that the Japan international is eyeing a move away from Parkhead in January.
If the 28-year-old does get his wish in the coming months, the door for a potential switch to Elland Road may once again open as the Whites need a solution for their goalscoring worries.
The West Yorkshire outfit are one of the lowest scorers in the Premier League, with 10 in 11 matches, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been unreliable.
Lukas Nmecha made a case for himself against Forest after finding the back of the net in the 3-1 loss, but it remains to be seen whether he can be a consistent performer in LS11.
Joel Piroe looks to have dropped down the pecking order under Farke after leading the Peacocks to the Championship title, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him push for an exit in January.
Daniel Farke should target Daizen Maeda as bargain deal possible
Maeda was valued at £25million in the summer amid interest from Leeds, but he could potentially be available for a relatively bargain price in the winter transfer window.
The forward appears willing to leave Celtic in January, and with his contract expiring in 2027, the Hoops may be ready to accept a reasonable offer.
Player Matches played Goals scored
Joe Rodon 11 2
Lukas Nmecha 12 2
Noah Okafor 9 2
Leeds’ top three goalscorers this season
Last season at the Hoops, the Japanese attacker made 51 appearances in all competitions, scoring 33 goals and providing 12 assists.
While Maeda has mostly played on the left-wing in Scotland, he can play down the middle or the right, but the most important thing for the West Yorkshire outfit will be his prolificacy.
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