FILE - Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers looks on, during the Europa League group B soccer match between FC Salzburg and Celtic FC in the Arena in Salzburg, Austria, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018. Rodgers has secured a return to Celtic, 4 1/2 years after leaving the Scottish champions in the middle of the season to take charge of English club Leicester. The appointment of Rodgers was announced on Monday, June 19, 2023, amid some misgivings from Celtic fans at the way he left in February 2019 — just when the team was on course to win the Scottish title. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson, File)
Tottenham is not actively pursuing Daizen Maeda; instead, the player is being pushed to them.
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly not actively pursuing a January transfer move for Celtic striker Daizen Maeda, despite extensive reports stating otherwise.
According to transfer journalist Dean Jones (via Give Me Sport), Tottenham are currently not eyeing a move for Celtic’s Japanese attacker Daizen Maeda in the upcoming January transfer window; rather, the player is being offered to them.
This comes after TEAMtalk reported last week that Tottenham are exploring the conditions of a move for the 25-year-old, with Ange Postecoglou looking to reunite with one of his former players at Celtic after enjoying a fine start to life in the Premier League.
The Australian coach has restored some enjoyment for Tottenham fans after their unbeaten start to the season, including a 2-0 win over Manchester United, a 5-2 thrashing of Burnley at Turf Moor, and a thrilling 2-1 late victory against Sheffield United last time out.
As a result, Spurs are flying up near the top of the league under their new boss. And it seems Postecoglou is already eyeing ways to improve his side in the January transfer window. It is thought that the Australian boss is keen to further improve his attacking options, despite making some impressive additions this past summer.
Tottenham have signed James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, and Manor Solomon to bolster the attack. Maddison, in particular, has already made a positive impression on the team, with two goals and two assists in the Premier League.
Tottenham could definitely do with signing a new striker, though. The London club parted ways with record goal scorer Harry Kane and have not replaced him yet. Strikers such as Jonathan David of Lille and Ivan Toney of Brentford have been discussed by the club’s hierarchy. The latest name supposedly on their radar is Maeda.
The Japan international has become a fan favourite at Celtic Park following his consistent performances in the past few seasons. He has racked up 76 appearances, scored 19 goals, and provided 13 across all competitions, helping Celtic win several titles, including the Scottish Premier League, Scottish Cup, and Scottish League Cup.
He was a mainstay in Celtic’s treble-winning side last season, featuring in 49 games, netting 11 times, and registering seven assists in all competitions. Maeda extended his contract with Brendan Rodgers’ side until 2027, despite being linked with a move to several clubs in the summer transfer window.
It is understood Celtic would command a similar type of fee to the £25 million they recouped when selling Jota to reigning Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad. However, as per transfer expert Dean Jones, Spurs’ are not interested in a move for Maeda at this moment in time, with recent links certainly not coming from the club.
Instead, it seems that “the player is being pushed in their direction” by his representatives, rather than the club actively chasing after the Celtic man. For now, Postecoglou is placing his trust on Richarlison to regain his confidence, especially after his crucial stoppage-time equaliser in their recent comeback against Sheffield United.
The Brazilian can be a more than suitable alternative for Kane as the attack’s focal point, thanks to his pressing instincts and ability to run in behind. The Brazilian can be a more than suitable alternative for Kane as the attack’s focal point.
