Everton boss David Moyes. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Everton boss David Moyes. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Everton are admirers of one of Celtic's star players but they won't give him up without a replacement lined up
Everton are looking to strengthen their attacking options in January and have set their sights on Celtic star Daizen Maeda, who is looking for a move away from the Scottish giants.
The Japanese international has been a key figure for the Hoops over the years. Maeda arrived at Parkhead in 2022 following a successful loan spell but he is now heavily linked with a move away.
The 28-year-old had been linked with an exit over the summer but a move failed to materialise. With his contract due to expire in 2027, Celtic have a chance to offload him for cash next year, before the risk of him leaving as a free agent rises.
Everton ‘targeting’ Celtic star Daizen Maeda
The Japanese international has expressed his interest in joining a Premier League club and playing in England’s top flight for the first time in his career. However, Celtic aren’t willing to sell Maeda unless they have a suitable replacement already lined up.
The Hoops need a boost in their Scottish Premiership pursuit this season, as their title defence has been hampered early on by Hearts. The Jambos are currently leading the title charge after an impressive but unexpected unbeaten start.
Celtic lost just four league games throughout the whole of last season, and they already have half of that on the board this time round.
The report claims that Celtic will only sanction the sale of Maeda if they can bring in a suitable successor, which could open the floor to an intriguing swap deal proposal with Everton.
Everton and Celtic could land interesting swap deal
While the versatility and reliable performances from Maeda would benefit the Toffees, Celtic are looking for new attacking targets of their own.
Maeda is a wide player by trade but can also operate as a centre-forward. Everton are in need of a reliable centre-forward, as both Beto and Thierno Barry just aren’t cutting the mustard. Maeda tallied 33 goals in all competitions last season, which would certainly take David Moyes’ attack to the next level if he can recreate that form.
Even if Maeda operated in his more comfortable left-wing position, the Blues will still benefit as they will need a new man in that position if they cannot sign Jack Grealish on a permanent deal.
In return, Everton could provide the like-for-like swap Celtic are looking for. Dwight McNeil has had limited time on the pitch this season and his contract is also due to expire in 2027. It may also take a cash offer from Everton to sweeten the deal but with Maeda wanting a move away, there isn’t much room for them to risk deals collapsing before he enters the last 12 months of his contract.
Former Everton scout Bryan King believes McNeil will be moved on in January, having played just 51 minutes of Premier League action so far this season.
However, his lack of action this term doesn’t take away from the impact he can have in attack. Last season, McNeil contributed five goals and eight assists in all competitions, even with a knee injury sidelining him for 18 games, and Everton being rather underwhelming as a whole in attack.
Like Maeda, McNeil is a natural left-winger but can also play on the right, in midfield and as a No.9 when called upon. The versatility Celtic are looking for is there and he has also proven he can score and assist when in form. Fresh pastures and an exciting new project might be what he needs to rediscover his confidence.
Such a swap deal will also save both clubs from spending huge amounts of money in 2026, as both Everton and Celtic do not have the facilities to splash cash recklessly.
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