Celtic have enjoyed a brilliant season, winning the Premiership and Scottish League Cup double. That is better than most fans would have imagined coming into the campaign, with the Hoops having finished 25 points behind the Rangers and trophyless in 2020/21. The next one could be even bigger though, with the Scottish crown to defend and Champions League football back at Parkhead after years.

Thus, Celtic need to strengthen their squad. And while additions are needed in quite a few positions, it is also important that they retain the players who were on loan at Parkhead this season and did a tremendous job.

Most of the speculation has surrounded Jota, on loan from Benfica, and Cameron Carter-Vickers, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. Understandably so as they have been two of Celtic’s best players this season. But almost quietly, they have already gotten their first deal of the summer over the line.

As reported by Yokohama F. Marinos’ official website, Daizen Maeda, who was on loan at Celtic, has decided to transfer to the club completely.

Celtic have completed their first signing of the summer

Maeda arrived at Celtic in January and has established himself as a starter in Postecoglou’s side since then.

He had already worked with the manager, during their time together at Yokohama F. Marinos. And while it feels like we have not seen the best of Maeda yet, at the same time, there is no denying the fact that he is vital to how the side plays with his incredible energy and work rate up front.

While Maeda was on loan at Celtic since January, it was always considered a matter of time before the move became permanent, with there believed to have been an obligation to buy included in the deal.

It is certainly a positive move on the part of Celtic to sign Maeda on a permanent deal and one would expect him to get better moving forward, as he now has half a season of experience under his belt of playing in Scottish football.

This article was originally posted here