Celtic’s summer rebuild may have taken a major turn — with Daizen Maeda now reportedly set to STAY at Parkhead after fresh contract renewal talks emerged following Martin O’Neill’s appointment.
The Japanese forward had been heavily linked with a move away, but the situation has suddenly shifted.
The twist nobody saw coming
looked increasingly likely to leave Celtic after a season where interest from abroad continued to grow.
However, new reports suggest the arrival of has changed the direction of talks completely.
Sources indicate Celtic are now actively pushing to extend his deal, with both club and player open to continuing the relationship.
Why Celtic want to keep him
Maeda has become one of Celtic’s most important attacking outlets — not just for goals, but for pressing, energy, and tactical flexibility.
His work rate and ability to stretch defences made him a key figure in Celtic’s recent domestic success, and coaching staff reportedly view him as “irreplaceable” within the current system.
With a major summer rebuild underway, keeping at least one established attacking core is seen as essential.
What changed after O’Neill’s arrival
O’Neill’s return has reportedly stabilised internal discussions around squad planning.
Instead of a full attacking overhaul, the club are now reconsidering whether to build around certain key players — with Maeda at the top of that list.
The veteran manager is believed to have endorsed the idea of keeping experienced, high-intensity performers as Celtic prepare for another demanding season.
Contract situation
Maeda still has time remaining on his current deal, but Celtic are now exploring an improved long-term extension to remove uncertainty over his future.
Negotiations are expected to continue over the coming weeks, with optimism growing that an agreement can be reached.
The bottom line
What looked like a potential summer exit is now turning into a STAY.
Daizen Maeda could be a key part of Celtic’s next era under Martin O’Neill , as contract renewal talks gather serious momentum.
