Leeds United must act quick after Daizen Maeda World Cup reveal at Celtic
Leeds United can potentially be the first to pounce on Celtic forward Daizen Maeda ahead of the winter transfer window.
The Japan international will enter the final year of his contract at Parkhead at the end of the season, and has left the door open for an exit.
Elland Road was one of the possible destinations for Maeda in the summer, with the 28-year-old heavily linked with an exit from the Hoops.
Lukas Nmecha’s absence is a bitter blow for Daniel Farke, but the former Yokohama F Marinos star could potentially be the perfect person to reinforce the attack in West Yorkshire.
Daizen Maeda holds off on Celtic exit amid Leeds United links
Maeda is willing to stay at Celtic until the end of the season and decide his future after the 2026 World Cup, according to The Celtic Way.
The news outlet reported on 15 December that the Japanese forward is open to staying at Parkhead ahead of January, giving the Elland Road hierarchy a clear priority to initiate talks.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Maeda decide to jump ship in the middle of the campaign as the Glaswegian club struggle under Wilfried Nancy.
The former Columbus Crew boss has lost his first three games in charge at Celtic, as they risk going trophyless for the first time since 2021.
The West Yorkshire outfit may also be wise to try to have an agreement in place with the winger for a move next summer before other competitors enter the race.
Daizen Maeda has two perfect attributes for Daniel Farke
Farke has turned things around at Elland Road in recent weeks after speculation around his future was growing.
Leeds have tweaked their system, with the German manager now playing a 5-3-2 formation, which has brought out the best in players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes played |
| 24 | 6 | 5 | 1816 |
However, Nmecha seems the only right partner for the former Everton striker in the current squad, but Maeda’s versatility and goalscoring pedigree could change that.
The Japan international is capable of playing across the front line and has an eye for goal, which should make him a prime target for the Whites, but it remains to be seen whether that will be the case.
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