Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Japan international forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic on a three-year contract.
The 28-year-old has joined the Premier League club in a reported £10m deal, adding proven top-level goalscoring quality to their attacking options.
Maeda represented Japan at the 2026 World Cup, helping his country reach the last 32 before they were eliminated by Brazil.
During his time at Celtic, Maeda scored 79 goals in 212 appearances, winning five league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups.
“I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League and I am very happy I can realise that dream with this club,” Maeda told Ipswich’s official website.
“My aim will always be to battle hard, score goals, and provide assists for my team – I will always run and give everything that I have.”
Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil, who took over at Portman Road following the departure of Kieran McKenna, is confident the signing will strengthen his squad considerably.
“He works extremely hard and has impressive physical attributes, while also proving over a number of years playing in Scotland that he has the ability to score goals and create for his team,” said O’Neil.
O’Neil believes Maeda will be “a valuable member” of his squad as Ipswich look to establish themselves back in the top flight.
The Tractor Boys won promotion after finishing second in the Championship under McKenna last season, and have since moved swiftly to bolster their squad for the Premier League campaign.
Maeda joins previous arrivals defender Issa Diop, winger Abdul Fatawu, striker Emersonn and goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen at Portman Road this summer.
Defender Cedric Kipre and forward Chuba Akpom have also joined on permanent deals after successful loan spells at the club last season.
Maeda’s final season at Celtic was arguably his finest, as the club leaned heavily on him through the middle following their failure to replace Kyogo Furuhashi up front.
Despite enduring a barren run of just one goal in 18 games, with Celtic sitting second behind league leaders Hearts, Maeda delivered when it mattered most.
He scored seven goals in five Premiership matches, including two decisive winners, to turn Celtic’s season around in stunning fashion.
The most memorable moment came when Maeda fired beyond Alexander Schwolow on 87 minutes in the final-day decider at home to Hearts, with the score level at 1-1, sending Celtic Park into wild celebrations.
He rounded off his Celtic career by opening the scoring in a comfortable Scottish Cup final victory over Dunfermline Athletic.
In an emotional farewell on social media to the “Celtic family”, Maeda reflected warmly on his time in Glasgow and the supporters who backed him throughout.
“The last four and a half years at Celtic have been the most special chapter of my career and my life,” Maeda wrote, adding: “Thank you for standing by me through every high and low.”
Celtic paid tribute to the departing forward, stating: “His relentless energy and vital goals were an essential part of the team over the past four-and-a-half years, and he was a firm favourite with Celtic fans.”
