Ipswich Town have secured the signing of Japan forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic, with the 28-year-old penning a three-year contract at Portman Road in a reported £10 million deal.

Maeda arrives on the back of an outstanding stint in Scotland, where he made 212 appearances for Celtic and scored 79 goals. During his four-and-a-half years at the club, he collected five league titles, three Scottish Cups, and two League Cups — establishing himself as one of the most influential forwards in Scottish football.

A dream realised

The Japanese international had long harboured ambitions of testing himself in England's top flight. "I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League and I am very happy I can realise that dream with this club," Maeda said on Ipswich's official website. "My aim will always be to battle hard, score goals, and provide assists for my team — I will always run and give everything that I have."

Maeda also featured for Japan at the 2026 World Cup, helping his country advance to the last 32 before they were eliminated by Brazil.

O'Neil's view on the new arrival

Ipswich manager Gary O'Neil, who took charge at Portman Road this summer following Kieran McKenna's departure, welcomed the signing with enthusiasm. "He works extremely hard and has impressive physical attributes, while also proving over a number of years playing in Scotland that he has the ability to score goals and create for his team," O'Neil said, describing Maeda as a player who will be "a valuable member" of the squad.

The club returns to the Premier League this season after finishing second in the Championship under McKenna last term. Maeda joins a growing list of new arrivals that includes defender Issa Diop, winger Abdul Fatawu, striker Emersonn, and goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen. Defender Cedric Kipre and forward Chuba Akpom have also joined on permanent terms after successful loan spells.

A Celtic farewell

Maeda's final season at Celtic proved to be his most decisive. After a difficult spell in front of goal — just one strike in 18 games — he responded with seven goals in five Premiership matches, including two match-winners. His most memorable contribution came in the final-day title decider against Hearts: with the score locked at 1-1, Maeda fired past Alexander Schwolow in the 87th minute to send Celtic Park into raptures.

He rounded off his Celtic career by opening the scoring in a commanding Scottish Cup final victory over Dunfermline Athletic.

In a farewell message to the "Celtic family," Maeda described his time in Glasgow as "the most special chapter of my career and my life," adding that it had been "an incredible honour" to represent the club. Celtic's official statement acknowledged his impact, noting that "his relentless energy and vital goals were an essential part of the team over the past four-and-a-half years."