Celtic fans were sent into a frenzy earlier when rumours broke out that the club were closing in on a move for Yokohama F. Marinos superstar, Daizen Maeda, who is currently the leading goalscorer in the J1 League. Ange Postecoglou will also know the player very well, having already managed him during his time in Japan.

It goes without saying that signing someone like Maeda could be a brilliant move on the part of the Hoops.

As reported by The Times, Celtic are confident of adding Maeda in the January transfer window and well-placed sources in Japan also expect a deal to be done for the Japanese star.

Postecoglou though appears to be keeping his cards close to his chest, as you would expect until anything takes place officially between the two sides. As reported by the Daily Record, when asked about a potential move for Maeda, the Celtic manager said:

“I can neither confirm or deny.

“There is no doubt the Japanese league is one I know well, I have an advantage there.

“Obviously I know Daizen well, I was the one who brought him to Yokahama F Marinos but I can definitely confirm we are not in advance talks with anyone to sign anyone at the moment.

“We will be casting the net far and wide, we are not going to just limit it to the Japanese league.”

Maeda would be a terrific signing for Postecoglou’s Celtic side

At the moment, Maeda is the leading goalscorer in the J1 League. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has scored 18 goals in 30 appearances in the league this season.

What is more impressive is the fact that he mostly plays as a second striker or a left winger although he is capable of playing as a centre forward as well. That kind of versatility will be a major positive for any club.

At this point of time, it does not look like anything is very advanced regarding a move in January but if it did end up happening, it should not come as a massive surprise to any one.

Possessing incredible pace, great stamina, brilliant movement and the ability to find the back of the net with both his feet, there is a reason that it was Postecoglou was the one who had brought Maeda to Yokohama F. Marinos. And that is because he is the perfect player for his style of football.

This article was originally posted here