Full Breakdown
Celtic Brace for Summer Departures of Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels
7/14/2026, 12:55:09 PM
Core Event
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Japanese forward Daizen Maeda (28) and Belgian midfielder Arne Engels (22) are expected to leave the Glasgow club before the Scottish transfer window closes on 3 September. Both players are in the final year of their contracts—Maeda with one year left and Engels with two—prompting the club to consider cash-in options rather than retain them for the 2024-25 season.
Background & Context
Maeda joined Celtic in January 2022 for £1 million from Yokohama F Marinos and has become a key goal-scorer, notably in the title-clinching 3-1 win over Rangers on 10 May. A £14 million move to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg collapsed in the summer of 2023. Engels arrived from Augsburg in the summer of 2024 for a club-record £11 million and helped secure the league title with a penalty-kick in the 3-1 victory over Hearts on 16 May. Both players attracted interest after strong performances, but Celtic has so far rebuffed multiple bids.
Key Figures & Groups
- Martin O’Neill – Celtic head coach, overseeing the summer transfer strategy.
- Daizen Maeda – Japan international, World Cup striker, contract expires summer 2025.
- Arne Engels – Belgium international, contract runs until summer 2026.
- Interested clubs: Premier League sides Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio, Roma, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid, and Wolfsburg (previously).
Official Statements & Responses
O’Neill indicated that Celtic would prefer Maeda to honour his final contract year but acknowledged the player’s desire for a new challenge, especially after his World Cup showing. Regarding Engels, O’Neill said the club is “bracing for big-money bids” and that a sale could fund further signings, noting the club’s limited activity this window. Maeda publicly expressed his ambition to play in the Premier League, stating that a move this summer would fulfill a long-standing personal goal.
Criticism & Opposition
Supporters have voiced growing frustration over the lack of confirmed replacements, describing the situation as “irritating” and “frustrating” for both fans and the manager. The perceived delay in securing new signings has been highlighted as a risk to maintaining Celtic’s recent dominance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Personally speaking, I would love it if he just let his contract run through and played for the last year.” — Martin O’Neill, Celtic manager (on Maeda)
- “All those bids Nottingham Forest made came in on the 11th hour so that was just a non-goer for us at that particular stage.” — Martin O’Neill, Celtic manager (on Engels)
- “I've always wanted to play in the Premier League ever since I went to Celtic, so I think this year might be my chance,” — Daizen Maeda, Japan forward
- “His contract was out at that stage and he was fantastic for us in the final season, but he made it clear that that’s what he was going to do.” — Martin O’Neill, Celtic manager (on Engels)
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reported bids for Engels vary: Nottingham Forest allegedly offered £14 million, £17 million, and a later £25 million package, all rejected. No definitive fee has been confirmed for Maeda, though analysts suggest a price between £15 million and £20 million may be required. Details of any formal offers from Premier League clubs beyond Forest remain unverified.
What’s Next
Celtic expects to reach an agreement on Engels’s future “this week,” according to Belgian outlet Voetbal Krant. Maeda’s negotiations are described as “still ongoing,” with the player’s agent reportedly exploring Premier League options. The club must finalize any sales before the 3 September deadline and identify replacements to sustain its title-defending campaign.
