Liverpool are considering an interesting option to reinforce their attacking options next season in Celtic hitman Daizen Maeda.
This season has seen Liverpool rise back up to the top of the Premier League, lifting their second title in five years as Arne Slot has made good on the gifts left behind to him by Jurgen Klopp.
The German manager rebuilt Liverpool Football Club into what it is today and Slot is reaping the rewards.
Slot did an incredible job this season, moving Ryan Gravenberch into defensive midfield and Cody Gakpo back onto the left wing. He also alleviated Mohamed Salah’s defensive responsibilities to great effect as the Egyptian has racked up 33 goals and 23 assists in 48 matches.
Darwin Nunez is set to leave the club after failing to impress Slot this season and he will need to be replaced with reports now suggesting that Maeda could be the man to fill his place in the squad.
Liverpool and Arsenal are interested in Daizen Maeda amid uncertainty over his Celtic future
According to TBR Football journalist Graeme Bailey, “Liverpool and Arsenal are among a host of Premier League clubs showing interest in Celtic star Daizen Maeda.”
Former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers wants to renew Maeda’s contract with Celtic reportedly ready to enter into talks with the Japan international before his deal expires in 2027.
Bailey continued: “Maeda is emerging as a target for a number of Premier League clubs.
“Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have all watched the Celtic forward this year and it’s hard to imagine that the Japan international hasn’t impressed.
“And in addition to the English sides mentioned, Aston Villa, Brentford, Fulham, Crystal Palace, West Ham United and newly-promoted Leeds United have also watched Maeda.
“It’s understood that Maeda might be available for around £25m this summer — a similar fee to the deal that saw Matt O’Riley join Brighton & Hove Albion.”
Maeda would be an excellent squad option but will struggle to start at Anfield
This season, Maeda has 33 goals and 11 assists in 47 games for Celtic and while it’s fair to say there is a discrepancy between the quality of opponents in the Scottish Premiership and the Premier League, the 27-year-old would be a wonderful squad option.
Not only can Maeda play anywhere across the frontline, he’s blessed with pace, agility and has a really cultured finish.
Assuming Wataru Endo stays at the club this summer, Maeda would have a friendly face on Merseyside to help him acclimate.
Speaking on his future to Sky Sports recently, the forward was asked about what the immediate future holds for him and he admitted to being uncertain.
Maeda said: “Well, I’m not sure. That’s a difficult question.
“While I’m here, I always want to fight and play for Celtic. I want to keep focusing and playing for the team.”
