Daizen Maeda was spotted in Birmingham after helping Celtic edge past St Mirren on April 12, 2026. The match ended with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Following the game, Maeda attended a Championship fixture where Birmingham defeated Wrexham 2-0. He shared footage of his former teammate Tomoki Iwata during the match, highlighting the connection that still exists between the two players from their time at Celtic.
However, Maeda’s recent form has raised eyebrows, as he has not scored or assisted in his last 13 games for Celtic. This marks a significant decline compared to his previous season, where he scored eight goals and provided eight assists in 47 appearances.
The last time Maeda found the net was in January during a 4-0 victory over Dundee United. His performance has been scrutinized, with some fans suggesting, “Maeda needs to be dropped” to allow for a potential resurgence.
Despite the criticism, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill continues to trust Maeda, indicating that he believes the player can regain his form. Maeda will be keen to keep showing face, especially with a World Cup on the horizon this summer.
In contrast, Maeda’s teammate Kyogo Furuhashi has also struggled for game time this season, adding to the challenges faced by Celtic’s attacking lineup.
Tomoki Iwata, who left Celtic, has made 90 appearances and scored 10 goals since his departure, further highlighting the contrasting fortunes of the two players.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Maeda can turn his form around and contribute significantly to Celtic’s campaign.
