Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie has urged Leeds United to make a bold move for Celtic forward Daizen Maeda, believing the Japan international could be the prolific option they need to stay in the Premier League next season.
Maeda has stepped up in a big way this season after Kyogo Furuhashi left Celtic for Rennes in January. The Japanese forward became the Hoops’ talisman under Brendan Rodgers and finished the season with an impressive 33 goals in 49 games. His performances earned him both the PFA Scotland Player of the Year and Celtic’s own Player of the Year awards.
1st March 2025; St Mirren Park, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, Scottish Premiership Football, St Mirren versus Celtic; Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates after he shoots and scores past Zach Hemming of St Mirren in the 88th minute to make it 4-2 to Celtic
Hendrie believes Leeds need to sign a proper goal scorer this summer. Patrick Bamford may leave, and while Joel Piroe has done well, Hendrie thinks he plays better in a deeper role.
He said: (Football League World), “I’ve said all along that Leeds are going to be linked with so many centre-forwards. Patrick Bamford probably isn’t going to be around, Piroe has done very well but I think at times he’s more of a 10, so they do need someone who is a bit more prolific.
“He’s got experience and he’s scored goals. The jump from coming down from Scotland to stepping into a Leeds side who will be expected to compete, you do think it could be half a gamble.
“But when you look at the numbers he has produced for Celtic, I don’t think it would be a bad signing. This is going to be a tough one to call.
“Leeds will be linked with most strikers that are available or in their region of budget and I think he will be one of them.”
3A3HBE5 Celtic’s Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring their side’s first goal of the game during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Sunday March 16, 2025.
Celtic are unlikely to let Maeda go easily. It would surely take a fee well in excess of £25 million, which would be a record for the Hoops if any club is seriously interested. With the transfer window approaching, more teams are expected to show interest in the Japanese star.
Maeda remains under contract at Celtic, but his incredible season means the Hoops could face a battle to keep him. However, he is set to sit down for contract negotiations after the Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen and could silence any questions over his future by penning a new deal.
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