Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Daizen Maeda’s seamless transition into a central attacking role could simplify the club’s transfer plans ahead of the upcoming window. The Japanese forward, traditionally deployed on the wing since joining the Scottish champions in 2022, has flourished since shifting to a striker position following Kyogo Furuhashi’s January departure to Rennes. Maeda’s recent form—marked by 15 goals in 12 appearances since the tactical switch—has not only filled the void left by his compatriot but also alleviated pressure on Celtic’s recruitment team after they failed to sign a replacement striker. Rodgers emphasized that Maeda’s adaptability offers the club strategic flexibility, as securing a top-tier winger in the summer may prove more straightforward than chasing an elite center-forward.
Maeda’s growing influence was on full display during Celtic’s commanding 3-0 victory over Hearts, where his clinical finishing yielded two goals and a header that rattled the post before Jota tapped in the rebound. The 27-year-old’s predatory instincts and relentless movement have elevated his goal tally to 30 across all competitions this season, cementing his status as a pivotal figure in Rodgers’ system. His ability to thrive centrally—a role he rarely occupied during his first three seasons in Glasgow—has surprised many, but Rodgers insists Maeda’s scoring pedigree was evident during preseason preparations in Japan, where he netted a hat-trick. “His pace, timing, and composure in front of goal have always been there,” the manager noted, highlighting the forward’s evolution from a high-pressing winger to a multifaceted attacking threat.
Rodgers’ endorsement of Maeda’s positional shift carries broader implications for Celtic’s summer rebuild. With the team eyeing domestic dominance and improved European performances, the manager stressed that Maeda’s versatility allows the club to prioritize reinforcing other areas. “If we revert him to the wing, recruiting a top-class wide player becomes a simpler task than chasing a proven striker,” Rodgers explained. This calculated approach reflects Celtic’s focus on balancing squad depth with financial pragmatism, particularly after their January inactivity in the striker market. Maeda’s emergence as a reliable goal source has not only stabilized the team’s attack but also granted Rodgers the luxury of long-term planning without compromising short-term results.
Hearts’ head coach Neil Critchley, meanwhile, admitted his side’s first-half aggression backfired as Celtic’s rapid transitions exploited defensive gaps. Despite the visitors’ early intent, Maeda’s double and Jota’s follow-up sealed the contest before halftime, forcing Critchley into a damage-limitation approach after the break. Reflecting on the defeat, he vowed to uphold his attacking philosophy while acknowledging the need for tactical refinement. “I want us to compete fearlessly against the best, but we must execute with greater precision,” he said, underscoring his commitment to building a proactive, front-foot identity for Hearts.
As Celtic prepare for a pivotal summer, Maeda’s reinvention stands as a testament to Rodgers’ knack for maximizing player potential. The forward’s journey from a tireless winger to a prolific striker not only underscores his personal growth but also exemplifies the club’s ability to adapt amid shifting circumstances. For Rodgers, Maeda’s story is a reminder that solutions often lie within—a philosophy that could define Celtic’s strategy as they aim to sustain their domestic supremacy and make waves beyond Scotland’s borders. With Maeda leading the line, the Hoops’ roadmap for the future appears both clear and compelling.