Celtic have been linked with a move for Yokohama F. Marinos superstar Daizen Maeda for over a month now and it appears that a January move might not be far away. It is not hard to understand why Ange Postecoglou’s side would be interested in the Japanese star, who has enjoyed an incredible J1 League campaign this time around and could be the perfect fit for the Hoops.

Maeda finished the 2021 J1 League season as the top scorer of the competition alongside Kawasaki Frontale’s Leandro Damiao.

According to stats from Transfermarkt, Maeda scored 23 goals and provided 5 assists in 36 J1 League appears this season. Incredible numbers for most players and especially one who is not an out-and-out striker.

And it looks like the Hoops are making progress in their attempt to bring him to Glasgow. As reported by Yahoo Japan (via Daily Record), a deal for Celtic to sign Maeda is almost complete. It is believed to be an initial loan agreement from January with a transfer fee set for the summer window.

Maeda could be a spectacular signing for Celtic in January

Celtic have done quite well till now this season, but it is their squad depth which is their Achilles’ heel. Even in the last match, against Hearts, we saw Jota, Anthony Ralston and Stephen Welsh pick up injuries, and as a result, Postecoglou’s side could struggle over the coming weeks.

Thus, someone like Maeda could be a magnificent addition to this side, not only in terms of squad depth but also a player who can come in and make an immediate impact in the first-team.

He is fast, has the ability to finish with both his feet, has incredible stamina and on top of everything else, has already played under the management of Postecoglou during their time together at Yokohama F. Marinos.