Is there a extra distinctive and enjoyable soccer participant to look at than Celtic’s Daizen Maeda?
The Japanese speedster was near leaving for Wolfsburg final summer time, however was lacking for a lot of the 2025/26 season, seemingly unable to attain after Martin O’Neill returned to the dugout in January.
But, when pushed, the 28-year-old powered by means of and nearly single-handedly dragged the Glasgow aspect to the Premiership title in a panoramic show that can stay lengthy within the reminiscence.
from that His overhead kick within the derby and emotional celebration after netting the objective on the ultimate day cemented Maeda’s standing as a cult hero. He isn’t the one one…
£2m star to hitch Celtic completely this summer time
From hiring managers to checking out transfers, Parkhead’s hierarchy not often appears to get their work collectively rapidly and, as they did final summer time, was typically left buzzing late into the day.
The season is now in full swing, however there are nonetheless few concrete strikes and there could also be extra concentrate on potential departures, together with younger Arne Engels.
There are additionally rumors in regards to the departure of his midfield colleague Reo Hatate, and it seems that a mass exodus is imminent, particularly as he continues to return on mortgage to his mother or father membership.
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One participant who wish to keep on for just a little longer is diminutive sensation Marcelo Saracchi, with the Each day Document conserving updated on his hopes of gaining everlasting residency.
In response to studies, the Uruguayan left-back has attracted curiosity from MLS and Turkish golf equipment, however desires to signal completely with the Hoops after a wonderful season on mortgage.
The massive bonus is that it might value simply £2m to signal the 28-year-old from Boca Juniors, who supplies good cowl for Kieran Tierney on the left.
Why Saracchi can turn into the brand new Maeda
Maeda has been on a objective spree because the finish of final season, scoring a minimum of one objective in every of his final 5 league video games and scoring one objective in every of the Scottish Cup semi-finals and remaining.
Maeda – Celtic Information | ||
|---|---|---|
season | membership | Sport (help) |
25/26 | 54 | 17(10) |
24/25 | 51 | 33(12) |
23/24 | 36 | 10(4) |
22/23 | 49 | 11(7) |
21/22 | twenty two | 8(5) |
whole | 212 | 79(38) |
His remaining whole of 17 targets in all competitions adopted his heroics of 33 the earlier yr and noticed him emerge as a standout determine at Parkhead in 2024-25.
Previous to that, a lot of the reward leveled on the former Yokohama participant centered on his work outdoors of possession, with him memorably hailed as a “one-man closing machine” by Chris Sutton in 2022.
His rampaging, relentless, all-action type immediately endeared Maeda to the Celtic devoted, and the comparatively unknown expertise rapidly secured cult standing in Glasgow.
It needs to be mentioned that Saracchi has a really related vibe, with the South American having slowly emerged as a key asset in O’Neill’s aspect after a sluggish begin to the membership because of harm.
In truth, he performed simply 27 video games within the 2025/26 season, scoring and aiding simply three targets, however regardless of typically making an impression off the bench, Tierney nonetheless wanted to be wrapped up in cotton wool.
On the ultimate day, for instance, Saracchi was important to Celtic’s late breakthrough within the second half, and it was his driving runs and stringy passes that sparked Maeda’s ‘win’ towards Hearts.
Afterwards, he was talked about by identify by Coach O’Neill within the dressing room after the sport, obtained a heat hug, and was praised by the supervisor, who had a giant smile on his face, as “a particular man.”
As with Maeda, it is laborious to not just like the full-back. Regardless of not at all times being a constant determine within the group final season, his apparent dedication and work ethic was very devoted to the trigger.
Like Maeda, he’s not missing in technical high quality to match his relentless play out of possession, and in December, away at Rugby Park, he offered an excellent help for the Japan worldwide.
On condition that he could possibly be obtainable at a discount knockdown value, very like Maeda and others earlier than him, this appears like a given in some methods, particularly contemplating O’Neal is being acquired on a everlasting foundation.
In fact, it hasn’t at all times been a fruitful marketing campaign by way of recruitment in Glasgow, significantly by way of getting into the mortgage market, however Saracchi must be thought of one of many uncommon success tales in 2025/26.
I hope that many extra issues will occur sooner or later.
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