“I’m Not Going to Lie…” – Daizen Maeda Breaks Silence on Celtic Future as SHOCK Move Emerges for Greg Taylor!

Celtic’s summer transfer window is already heating up as speculation grows over the futures of key players Daizen Maeda and Greg Taylor. With interest from abroad mounting, fans are keenly watching developments that could reshape Brendan Rodgers’ squad ahead of the new season.

Maeda Speaks on Future Amid Fenerbahce Interest

Daizen Maeda has offered some insight into his thinking as rumours continue to swirl about a possible move away from Celtic Park. The Japanese international, who has become a fan favourite thanks to his electric pace and relentless work rate, has been the subject of serious interest from Turkish giants Fenerbahce. Reports suggest the Istanbul-based club are prepared to table an offer north of €10 million in an attempt to lure the winger away from Glasgow.

While Maeda hasn’t directly addressed the transfer speculation, his recent comments offer a subtle glimpse into his current mindset. Speaking during a visit to his former club Mito HollyHock in Japan, Maeda reflected on a successful season at Celtic and hinted at his ambitions for the campaign ahead.

“I was in great form this season, both personally and so were the team,” Maeda said. “So I’d like to keep it going next season. I am who I am because of my team, Celtic. I’d like to thank my teammates and, above all, my family for supporting me so far. I’d be happy if I could score more goals next season. I hope the number of goals will continue to increase.”

His remarks can be read in different ways. On one hand, they signal a desire to continue building on his success potentially at Celtic. On the other, Maeda’s phrasing particularly the conditional “I’d be happy if I could score more goals next season” could suggest he’s leaving the door open for a move.

From Celtic’s perspective, a significant bid from Fenerbahce could be tempting. Having signed Maeda permanently from Yokohama F. Marinos in 2022 after an initial loan spell, the Hoops would stand to make a healthy profit should they decide to cash in.

Greg Taylor Offered Deal by PAOK as Exit Nears

Meanwhile, Celtic look set to part ways with left-back Greg Taylor, who has been offered a contract by Greek side PAOK. The 26-year-old’s deal at Parkhead is due to expire at the end of the month, and with no extension in sight, an exit looks increasingly inevitable.

PAOK are believed to have tabled a two-year contract in an effort to secure Taylor’s services on a free transfer. The move would represent a fresh challenge for the Scotland international, who has spent the last five years in Glasgow since arriving from Kilmarnock in 2019.

Taylor has been a regular fixture in Celtic’s backline under both Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers, lauded for his consistency, energy, and positional awareness. However, his form has dipped at times, and there have been increasing calls for the club to seek a more dynamic option at left-back particularly with European football in mind.

Celtic have already been linked with potential replacements, and the departure of Taylor could allow the club to invest in a new signing who fits more closely with Rodgers’ long-term vision.

For Taylor, the opportunity to play abroad in a competitive league like Greece’s Super League could be an appealing one. PAOK, who regularly challenge for domestic honours and compete in European competitions, would offer him the chance to test himself in a different environment while remaining at a high level.

Transition Period for Celtic

With both Maeda and Taylor potentially on their way out, Celtic appear to be entering a summer of transition. The club has enjoyed continued domestic success, but there’s a growing sense that further reinforcements and a slight reshaping of the squad are necessary to compete more effectively on the European stage.

Brendan Rodgers will no doubt be planning carefully. Maeda’s pace and defensive work are critical in his system, while Taylor’s understanding of the left-back role in Celtic’s inverted full-back setup has been important tactically.

Replacing both players effectively will be no easy task, but with strong recruitment and a clear vision, the Hoops could turn this period of uncertainty into an opportunity for evolution.

As always in football, the coming weeks will reveal more. But one thing is clear: Celtic’s summer transfer window is well and truly underway.