Ipswich Town completed the signing of 28-year-old Japanese forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic on a three-year deal, with a reported transfer fee of around £10 million (about $13 million) [1, 2, 3, 4]. Maeda, Ipswich's first Japanese player, joined the club ahead of their Premier League season opener against Sunderland on August 22, 2026 [1, 3].
Maeda scored 79 goals in 212 appearances during his four-and-a-half years at Celtic. He helped the Scottish club win five league titles, three Scottish Cups, and two Scottish League Cups [2, 4]. He said the time at Celtic was "the most special chapter of my career and my life" and thanked the club and supporters for their support [2].
At the 2026 World Cup, Maeda was part of Japan's squad that reached the round of 32 before losing to Brazil. He has scored five goals for Japan in 30 appearances, including one in a 1-1 group stage draw with Sweden [1, 3].
Ipswich manager Gary O'Neil, who took charge this summer after Kieran McKenna's departure, praised Maeda's work ethic and skill. "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 [2, 4].
Maeda said, "I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League and I am very happy I can realise that dream with this club. 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" [1].
Besides Maeda, Ipswich has signed Issa Diop, Abdul Fatawu, Emersonn, Kayne van Oevelen, and made permanent signings of Cedric Kipre and Chuba Akpom after loan spells during the current transfer window [2, 4].
Ipswich Town’s next key event is their Premier League season opener at home against Sunderland on August 22, 2026 [1, 3].
