Celtic striker Daizen Maeda is inching toward a Premier League switch after Ipswich Town opened transfer talks with the Glasgow club this week. The 28-year-old Japan international wants out of Glasgow after four-and-a-half years at Celtic, who sit third in the Premiership with 67 points from 33 games and a recent run of five straight wins.

What’s happening with Daizen Maeda?

Ipswich Town have made the first move for Maeda, who is out of contract at the end of next season and has made no secret of his desire to test himself in England’s top flight. The newly-promoted Premier League side want to wrap up a deal quickly to bring the frontman to Portman Road. Maeda, 28, was down after a collapsed Wolfsburg move last August but rediscovered his form to fire Celtic to a league and Scottish Cup double in May.

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill said earlier this month he’d like Maeda to stay but won’t stand in his way if a fair bid arrives. The club’s recent 4-1 loss to Sporting CP on 14 July caps a mixed start to the new campaign, with Celtic three points behind Hearts in the title race.

Why does this matter for Celtic?

Maeda’s exit would leave a big hole in the attack built under Ange Postecoglou. The Japan forward has been a fans’ favourite since arriving in 2022, scoring 59 goals in 142 games and forming a lethal strike partnership that delivered silverware. His departure would also ease wage pressure as Celtic chase Champions League football.

The club’s recent form-four wins and one loss in the last five-shows they can cope without him short-term, but losing Maeda risks weakening their firepower in a tight Premiership title fight. With Hearts only three points clear, every point counts.

What happens next?

Ipswich want a quick resolution and are ready to meet Celtic’s valuation. Maeda himself told reporters in Japan he’s determined to play in the Premier League, whether it’s Ipswich or another club. Negotiations could wrap within days if both sides agree on a fee and personal terms.

Celtic will weigh any bid against their own ambitions. They sit third with 67 points and a +24 goal difference, but the loss to Sporting shows defensive frailties that Maeda’s goals would have masked. A swift deal could free up funds for fresh signings before the window shuts.

The next 48 hours look decisive. If Ipswich land Maeda, they’ll land a proven Premier League-ready striker. If Celtic refuse to sell, they keep a talisman who can still light up the Premiership.

Celtic are third in the Premiership with 67 points, 21 wins, four draws and eight losses from 33 games, while Maeda’s future hinges on talks that could move faster than either club expected.