CELTIC hitman Daizen Maeda won’t be short of options this summer after his sensational season at Parkhead.
The Japanese forward scooped up multiple awards for his standout campaign for Celtic after he netted 33 goals and provided 12 assists across all competitions.
2
2
It’s been suggested that clubs from down south have been keeping tabs on him throughout the season – his best campaign since joining the Hoops in 2021.
But Maeda, 27, also has options from elsewhere in Europe, according to reports from Turkey.
Turkish outlet Takvim claim Fenerbahce have joined the race for his signature too, with legendary manager Jose Mourinho reportedly impressed with what he has seen from him in recent months.
The Portuguese boss is believed to be on the hunt for attacking reinforcements in the summer window and has identified Maeda as a main target, it’s being claimed.
It remains to be seen whether the Istanbul club will launch an official approach but it’s suggested he’s at the top of their shortlist.
But Fenerbhace will no doubt face serious competition for the electric forward this summer.
Brendan Rodgers will face a fight to hold onto his star man beyond this season.
Maeda still has two years left on his current deal at Parkhead but Rodgers is keen to tie him down on extended terms.
SunSport revealed in March that Celtic had kicked off talks over a new contract in a bid to keep the 27-year-old in Glasgow.
But speaking at the beginning of this month, the former Yokohama F. Marinos star refused to get sucked into any chat about his future.
Maeda said: “Yes, the gaffer spoke to me about it. But there are still some games to be played this season, so I just want to focus on them.
“I know this number of goals is not easy to achieve, so I don’t want to think too much about this being the objective for next season.
“I would like to focus on everything, including goals, and then in the end maybe I can achieve something.”
Maeda cleaned up at Celtic’s annual awards ceremony — winning top goalscorer, players’ player and men’s player gongs.
He then topped that off by bagging the PFA Scotland and SFWA prizes.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
