Brendan Rodgers has reaffirmed Celtic's desire to reward Daizen Maeda with a new contract after the Japanese forward continued his stellar form with a brace in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Hearts.
Maeda, who has flourished in a more central role following Kyogo Furuhashi’s January departure, took his tally to 30 goals in all competitions this season as he marked his 150th appearance for the Hoops in style at Celtic Park.
Speaking to Sky Sports after their emphatic Scottish Premiership triumph, the Celtic manager lauded the 27-year-old’s impact and versatility, emphasising his importance to the team’s success.
“If you look at his record over the course of the season, once he's in there, we expect him to score,” Rodgers said. “He's been a real pivotal player for us wherever he's played, and I've said many times that he can play in that central position.
"His penetration in behind, his set-up play in the main was good, and he gives us a lot with our pressing. This is a guy who has travelled halfway around the world to play [after being on international duty with Japan]. So, I'm really pleased with his performance overall.”
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With Maeda’s contract running until the summer of 2027, there is no immediate urgency, but Rodgers has made it clear that Celtic want to recognise the players value with a new deal.
“The club will speak to his representatives and we will do everything we can, but there's no panic,” Rodgers added. “My concentration is on the team and football. Of course, he's a top player, he's still contracted for a while to the club, but he's one of our best players so we want to give him that value.”
Maeda’s performances have been a crucial factor in Celtic’s attacking prowess throughout the current campaign, with his movement, pressing, and finishing making him a key component of Rodgers’ tactical approach and a shoe-in to be among the nominees for Player of the Year.
As the Parkhead club continues its push for more domestic silverware, securing Maeda’s long-term future will be high on the agenda for Celtic’s hierarchy.
