---
title: "Celtic: Daizen Maeda’s ‘only priority’ is to finish the season strongly"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/daizen-maeda-southampton-latest-transfer-rumours-updates/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Chloe Chadwick"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2023-03-09T19:15:59Z"
modified: "2023-03-09T19:15:59Z"
---

# Celtic: Daizen Maeda’s ‘only priority’ is to finish the season strongly

**[Celtic](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/) forward Daizen Maeda has confirmed that finishing the 2022/23 season strongly is his ‘only priority’ amid exit links.**

### The Lowdown: Southampton interest

The [Scottish Premiership](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/scottish-premiership-news/) star isn’t out of contract at Parkhead until [2026](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/celtic-glasgow/berateruebersicht/verein/371), but following a string of impressive performances for Japan at the World Cup, caught the eye of one club in particular.

Premier League side Southampton were credited with an [interest](https://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/12691/12782334/daizen-maeda-southampton-monitoring-celtic-forward-as-nathan-jones-looks-to-bolster-attacking-options) in the 25-year-old in January, though no official contact was ever made before the deadline.

The Hoops winger was forced off the pitch with a knee injury during Wednesday night’s 3-1 victory over Hearts, with Ange Postecoglou [confirming](https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/23373364.ange-postecoglou-provides-daizen-maeda-celtic-injury-update/) post-match that he would face a wait to see if he would available for the next fixture.

### The Latest: Maeda’s comments

Speaking to an outlet in his homeland, Maeda reaffirmed his commitment to Celtic and shut down speculation that he could be considering a move elsewhere.

As quoted by [Football Scotland](https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/spfl/scottish-premiership/daizen-maeda-ends-southampton-transfer-26416927), he said:

“Right now, I’m not thinking about the future at all. I just won one of the domestic cups with Celtic, but I still have another cup and league title left to win this season. That is my only priority.

“Personally, I would like to achieve double-digit goals and assists. Until this season, I had almost no assists even though I scored a few goals.

“This season, my assists have increased and I would like to think that’s been linked to our results. If I want to be a part of the next World Cup in the USA, then there are still many things here at Celtic that I need to do.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”419088”\]

### The Verdict: Keep hold of him

Maeda has been [dubbed](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/football/rio-ferdinand-shocked-daizen-maeda-25678754) a ‘livewire’ by BT Sport pundit [Rio Ferdinand](https://icdb.tv/stats/1135/Rio-Ferdinand) and Celtic need to do everything they can to keep hold of him should more interest build in the summer.

The Bhoys ace has posted [16](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/daizen-maeda/leistungsdaten/spieler/420931) goal contributions in 38 appearances across all competitions this season, putting a total of [37](https://fbref.com/en/players/395451fc/Daizen-Maeda) crosses into the box during that time, providing a constant threat.

The Taishi native is also a useful option for the boss to have at his disposal should any unexpected injuries occur ,with his flexibility to play in [five](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/daizen-maeda/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/420931) various positions an added string to the bow.

Postecoglou has previously publicly [praised](https://www.planetsport.com/soccer/news/ange-postecoglou-praises-daizen-maedas-work-ethic-after-lucky-goal-celtic-win) Maeda for his excellent work ethic, showing how highly he values him, so the thought of losing his services would be a huge blow.

\[freshpress-poll id=”421457″\]