Celtic forward Daizen Maeda just dropped a bombshell, making it crystal clear he wants to test himself in the English Premier League and is open to joining *any* club that comes calling. This isn't just a casual wish, either: Maeda's ambition to play in England is his absolute top priority, and he’s not holding back.
Maeda's Premier League Obsession and Celtic's Dilemma
This guy is serious. Maeda has consistently talked about his dream to play in the Premier League, and he recently doubled down on that in an interview with the Japanese YouTube channel PIVOT. He said, "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." You can feel the urgency in that statement, right? His desire is strong: "My strongest desire is to play in the Premier League for at least a year. I haven't really thought about what comes after that." That's a player who knows what he wants, and it's not staying put. This whole situation is a massive talking point, especially since his manager, Martin O'Neill, admitted during their pre-season camp in Portugal that he accepts Maeda could absolutely leave before the transfer window slams shut. While O'Neill would prefer him to stay for the final year of his contract, the writing on the wall is pretty clear."I Don't Care Which Team": Confidence and Past Heartbreak
So, why England, and why this all-or-nothing approach? Maeda believes the Premier League is the best in the world, and he's confident he has what it takes to succeed. "I think it's the best league, and I'm confident I can do it there, so that's why I want to take on the challenge." He even talked about showcasing the "strengths of being Japanese," believing that his unique attributes would make him wanted by any team. His mindset is pure grit: "For me, it's simply that I want to play in the Premier League, and I don't care which team it is, I just want to play here. So, no matter which team it is, what I have to do won't change. I think that's the only thing that matters when it comes to fighting." This isn't his first rodeo with transfer drama, either. Last summer, a move to Wolfsburg fell through, which he admitted initially got him down. He even felt it was "definitely the right time to transfer" after scoring around 33 goals for Celtic. But he bounced back, helping Celtic grab a domestic double, and found his form again. Now, with just a year left on his contract, the ball is firmly in play. It's all about the negotiations between Celtic and potential suitors. What happens next? We're all watching to see which Premier League club makes the move for this determined forward.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.