Daizen Maeda joins Ipswich Town from Celtic on four-year deal
Synopsis
Daizen Maeda's move to Ipswich Town closes a remarkable chapter at Celtic — 79 goals, five league titles, and a PFA Scotland Player of the Year award — and opens a long-awaited Premier League chapter for the Japan international. At 28, with two World Cups already on his CV, he arrives at Portman Road as Ipswich's most decorated summer signing yet.
Key Takeaways
Daizen Maeda , 28, has signed a four-year contract with Ipswich Town , running until summer 2029 .
He is Ipswich's fifth summer signing and the club's first-ever Japanese player .
Maeda scored 79 goals in 212 appearances for Celtic , winning five Scottish Premiership titles.
He was named PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year after a 33-goal campaign in 2024-25 .
Maeda has 30 international caps for Japan and scored at both the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups .
Financial terms of the transfer from Celtic were not disclosed.
Japan forward Daizen Maeda has completed his move to Premier League side Ipswich Town from Scottish champions Celtic, signing a four-year contract that runs until the summer of 2029. The deal, announced on 25 July, makes the 28-year-old Ipswich's fifth summer signing and the club's first-ever Japanese player. Financial terms were not disclosed.
A Record-Breaking Celtic Spell
Maeda departs Celtic Park having left a considerable mark on Scottish football. Across 212 appearances for the Glasgow club, he scored 79 goals and contributed to five Scottish Premiership titles and five domestic cup trophies. His 2024-25 season was particularly outstanding — he netted 33 goals and was named the PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year, the highest individual honour voted by fellow professionals in Scottish football.
What Maeda Said
'I am very proud to sign for Ipswich Town. I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League, and I am very happy I can realise that dream with this club. I have loved all of the conversations with the club, and they have made me feel very welcome,' Maeda said in an official club statement.
'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. I am excited to learn more about the club and meet the supporters,' he added.
What the Manager Said
Ipswich head coach Gary O'Neil welcomed the signing, pointing to Maeda's relentless work rate and consistent goalscoring record as key reasons for the pursuit.
'We're very pleased to have Daizen join the club. Playing in the Premier League is something I know he has been working towards throughout his career and we are proud he has made the decision to do that now at Ipswich Town,' O'Neil said. '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. He will be a valuable member of the squad.'
From Osaka to the Premier League
Born in Osaka Prefecture, Maeda came through the ranks at Matsumoto Yamaga before stints with Mito HollyHock, Portuguese side Maritimo, and Yokohama F. Marinos. He claimed the J.League Golden Boot in 2021 after scoring 23 goals in 36 matches, a tally that earned him his Celtic move. His journey to Portman Road represents the culmination of a career built steadily across three countries and multiple leagues.
International Pedigree
On the international stage, Maeda has earned 30 caps for Japan, scoring five goals. He featured at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, netting against Croatia in the Round of 16. He was also part of Japan's squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he scored in a 1-1 draw against Sweden. In March 2026, he captained Japan for the first time in a friendly against Scotland — a symbolic full-circle moment given his Celtic tenure. With Premier League football now secured, Maeda is poised to raise his global profile heading into a pivotal phase of his career.
Point of View
Trophy-laden environment — five league titles at Celtic is not a modest CV. The more interesting question is whether Maeda's all-action, high-volume style translates to a Premier League side that will likely spend much of the season fighting for survival. Gary O'Neil is building a squad with energy and hunger, but Maeda's 33-goal season in Scotland came in a league where Celtic routinely outclass opponents. The step up in defensive quality will be the real test, and how he adapts in the first three months will define whether this is a coup or a gamble.
NationPress
25 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Daizen Maeda?
Daizen Maeda is a 28-year-old Japanese forward who signed for Ipswich Town from Celtic on 25 July. He scored 79 goals in 212 Celtic appearances, won five Scottish Premiership titles, and was named PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year in 2024-25.
How long is Daizen Maeda's contract with Ipswich Town?
Maeda has signed a four-year deal with Ipswich Town, keeping him at Portman Road until the summer of 2029. He is the club's fifth signing of the current summer transfer window.
How much did Ipswich pay for Daizen Maeda?
The financial details of Maeda's transfer from Celtic to Ipswich Town were not disclosed by either club.
What is Daizen Maeda's international record?
Maeda has made 30 appearances for Japan, scoring five goals. He played at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scoring against Croatia in the Round of 16, and also featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, netting in a 1-1 draw against Sweden. He captained Japan for the first time in a friendly against Scotland in March 2026.
Is Daizen Maeda the first Japanese player at Ipswich Town?
Yes, Maeda becomes the first Japanese player in Ipswich Town's history. His signing is considered a landmark moment for the Premier League club as they look to build their squad following promotion.
