Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been reacting to Celtic’s swoop for attacker Daizen Maeda, as per Football Insider.
The Lowdown: Maeda signed
The Hoops announced three new signings on New Year’s Eve, subject to international clearance, with each of those coming from the J1 League in Japan.
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Maeda was one of those, joining on an initial loan deal with a compulsory purchase clause included. Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi both penned four-and-a-half-year deals to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s midfield ranks.
However, it was Maeda’s move which caught the eye of Kenny. Labelled as ‘very quick’ by The Athletic's Kieran Devlin, he can play as a left winger, centre-forward or second striker. [Transfermarkt]
Still just 24 years of age, the forward has just come off the back of his best season in front of goal, netting 23 times in 36 league appearances in 2021.
The Latest: Kenny reacts
Kenny was talking to Football Insider regarding the news coming out of Parkhead, specifically on Maeda.
The pundit was stunned by the forward's record under Postecoglou at Yokohama F. Marinos and labelled it as a ‘statement of intent’ from Celtic, remarking:
“It’s time to get excited.
“When I saw that return of nine in 11, I thought ‘wow’. That’s something to be excited about.
“Obviously we know Postecoglou knows these leagues and it will be interesting to see how he and the other lads get on in Scotland.
“We know there is not that much of a difference between the leagues, look at Furuhashi.
“If Maeda can go over there and score goals at the same rate he has done in Japan then that’s only good news for Celtic.
“It’s nice to see them get their business done early, it’s a real statement of intent.”
The Verdict: Exciting times indeed…
Not only is Maeda capable of scoring goals for fun, he is also hugely versatile, so it does feel like he could potentially replicate Kyogo Furuhashi’s start to life in Scotland.
The pair can play in a variety of roles in attack, so a front three of Maeda, Furuhashi and Jota could be a massively exciting prospect for Celtic fans.
Hopefully Maeda can settle into Scotland quickly, and if he does, he could certainly help the Hoops claw back the gap on Rangers at the top of the Premiership following the winter break.
In other news: Celtic may now swoop for 6 foot 1 beast this month who had Sadio Mane in his 'pocket'