Celtic Could Lose Title-Winning Forward in January as English Clubs Placed on Alert.

Celtic are facing the prospect of another major departure in the January transfer window after one of their most important attacking players informed the club of his intention to leave – and Premier League clubs are already preparing to make their move.

The news has arrived at a crucial point in the season, with Celtic still competing for domestic silverware and attempting to stabilize after a period of squad turnover. The potential exit of a player who has been central to recent success threatens to disrupt the club’s momentum, spark supporter concern and create yet another challenge for the recruitment team in the coming weeks.

According to TEAMtalk, the player widely regarded as one of Celtic’s hardest-working and most tactically valuable attackers has officially communicated his desire to depart once the January window opens. His decision follows months of rising tension behind the scenes and growing frustration with how the club handled transfer interest last summer.

Internal Frustration and a Breaking Point Reached

The forward, now into his third full season in Glasgow, was reportedly left deeply disappointed when Celtic rejected approaches from clubs in England earlier this year. Sources close to the situation claim he believed a move to the Premier League would boost his career, improve his international prospects and allow him to test himself at a higher level.

Instead, talks allegedly stalled, interest was turned away, and the player was left with the sense that his ambitions were not being taken seriously. Discussions over a new contract are also said to have left him feeling overlooked, despite his consistent contribution and role in Celtic’s domestic dominance.

A club insider quoted in the report said:

“He’s given everything for Celtic, but he needs a fresh challenge. The rejection stung, and he’s made it clear January or bust.”

That message now threatens to become the most defining transfer story of Celtic’s winter window.

The player pushing for a move is Daizen Maeda, the Japan international who first arrived at Celtic Park in December 2021 as part of Ange Postecoglou’s recruitment drive from the J-League. Initially joining on loan from Yokohama F. Marinos, his transfer was made permanent at the end of that season.

Maeda quickly became a crucial figure in Celtic’s forward line: a pressing machine, a tireless runner and a selfless wide forward whose work without the ball is often as valuable as his attacking output. His energy and defensive contribution have made him unique within Scottish football and invaluable to Celtic in European fixtures.

During his time in Glasgow, Maeda has helped the club win eight trophies, including four consecutive Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups. His goal in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk remains one of the standout moments of his Celtic career.

But his future now appears to be heading away from Parkhead.

English Clubs Already Positioning Themselves

A number of Premier League sides are monitoring Maeda’s situation closely. Everton, Leeds United and Brentford are among those named as being ready to enter discussions if Celtic signal a willingness to sell during the January window. More clubs could join the race should the situation escalate.

Brentford’s interest may come with added context. The London club previously completed a major deal with Celtic for Kristoffer Ajer in 2021 a move that reportedly included a sell-on clause. The Norwegian defender has now attracted Bundesliga interest from Wolfsburg, and Celtic could stand to benefit financially if that transfer progresses in 2026.

Given that strategy, Celtic are expected to insist on a sizeable fee and a sell-on clause if they reluctantly agree to part ways with Maeda.

Celtic’s Dilemma

The club now face a difficult decision: stick to their valuation and allow a motivated player to leave, or keep him until the summer while accepting the risks associated with retaining someone whose future lies elsewhere.

With no permanent manager yet to be appointed and the January window approaching quickly, the timing of this development adds further uncertainty to Celtic’s planning. The club have already endured significant turnover across the past two windows, and replacing Maeda’s discipline, energy and positional intelligence will not be an easy task.

His exit would leave a noticeable tactical gap not just in terms of goals, but in the pressing structure and defensive balance that Celtic rely on in key matches.

What Comes Next?

There is still time for the situation to shift, but as things stand, Maeda is firm in his position. Celtic must now decide whether to hold him to his contract or negotiate his departure in a way that secures maximum value for the club.

Either way, the next two months could prove pivotal for both the player and Celtic.

A January exit remains a real possibility and unless something changes fast, the club may soon be forced to say goodbye to arguably their most relentless modern forward.

The clock is ticking, the interest is real, and the warning has been delivered: Maeda wants out. Now Celtic must respond.