Ipswich sign Japan forward Maeda from Celtic

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Ipswich Town have signed Japan forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic on a three-year deal, with the club adding another attacking option after returning to the Premier League. The transfer fee was reported to be about £10m, according to the BBC article, and the move takes the 28-year-old to Portman Road after a highly successful spell in Scotland.

Maeda leaves Celtic having scored 79 goals in 212 appearances and collected five league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups. BBC Sport said he was part of Japan’s squad at the 2026 World Cup, where Japan reached the last 32 before losing to Brazil. Ipswich said the player had spoken positively about fulfilling a long-held ambition to play in the Premier League, while manager Gary O’Neil praised his work rate, athletic qualities and record of contributing goals and assists.

The signing continues a busy recruitment period for Ipswich, who were promoted after finishing second in the Championship last season under Kieran McKenna before O’Neil took charge in the summer. BBC Sport listed Maeda among several arrivals, including Issa Diop, Abdul Fatawu, Emersonn and Kayne van Oevelen, while Cedric Kipre and Chuba Akpom have joined permanently after loan spells.

For Celtic, the departure removes a popular and productive forward who became especially important in the 2025-26 campaign, when BBC Sport Scotland noted he was used centrally for much of the season. Celtic thanked Maeda for his contribution, while the player described his four and a half years at the club as the most special period of his career and life.