Daizen Maeda Officially Joins Ipswich Town, Departs Celtic Having Secured 10 Trophies With The Club

Ipswich Town have officially strengthened their attacking line by signing Japan national team striker Daizen Maeda from Celtic in the 2026 summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old departs the Scottish giants after four and a half trophy-laden successful years, putting pen to paper on a three-season contract that runs until 2029.

The transfer fee is reported to sit around 10 million pounds sterling, or approximately IDR 238 billion, though neither club has published the official final figure.

Maeda's arrival also writes new history for Ipswich. He becomes the first Japanese player to join the club nicknamed The Tractor Boys in its entire history dating back to its founding in 1878.

This deal marks Ipswich's fifth signing of the summer transfer window, brought in as part of preparations for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.

"I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League, and I am so happy to make that dream come true with this club," Maeda said via Ipswich Town's official website on 26 July 2026.

He stated he already felt welcomed from the very start of negotiations, and has committed to delivering maximum contribution for his new side.

"My targets are to work hard, score goals, and create assists for the team. I will run hard every minute and give every bit of ability that I have," added the player who can operate both as a winger and central striker.

Ipswich Town manager Gary O'Neil has welcomed Maeda's arrival with great enthusiasm. O'Neil noted that the Japanese forward has proven his quality on a consistent basis over recent seasons.

O'Neil assessed that Maeda's raw pace, pressing intensity, professional work ethic and versatility across multiple forward positions will be a critical asset for Ipswich navigating the unforgiving competition of the Premier League.

Maeda arrives in England with an impressive track record built during his spell at Celtic.

Since joining the Glasgow club in January 2022, he registered 79 goals from 212 appearances across all competitions, and helped Celtic lift 10 major trophies: five Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups.

His career best form came during the 2024/25 season, where he netted 33 goals from 51 matches across all competitions.

That outstanding campaign saw him claim both the PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year and Scottish Football Writers' Player of the Year awards, firmly establishing him as one of the elite players in Scottish football.

Goalscoring productivity was not the sole reason Ipswich pursued Maeda. Throughout his time at Celtic, he built a reputation as a high-mobility forward who presses aggressively and works relentlessly to support defensive duties.

These traits are considered perfectly aligned with Gary O'Neil's tactical philosophy, which is built on high match intensity and fast transition play.

Prior to finalising his move to England, Maeda represented Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. He scored one goal for the Samurai Blue during their 1-1 group stage draw with Sweden, before exiting the tournament to focus on completing his transfer to Ipswich.

Maeda's signing forms part of Ipswich Town's wider squad strengthening plan, following the club's confirmation of promotion to the Premier League for the 2026/27 season.

Club management have operated aggressively in the summer transfer window, recruiting a number of experienced players including centre-back Issa Diop from Fulham, to raise quality across every area of the squad.

Ipswich are hopeful that Maeda's finishing output, pace and work ethic will help the side compete effectively and secure their position in the top tier of English football.