Daizen Maeda celebrating for Celtic next to a circle inset of David Moyes

Daizen Maeda and David MoyesImago

Every reason why Everton are primed to land Daizen Maeda as 'strong desire' now known

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at the Northern Echo and Durham Cricket Club; Teesside University graduate. FOCUS Long-form opinion and deep-dive content across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Jacob utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, analytical reporting. He provides in-depth opinion and insight to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and into the detail.

Published on:

13 Jul 2026, 5:03 pm

Everton have been linked with Celtic forward Daizen Maeda after his impressive World Cup campaign with Japan.

The striker has been in Scotland with the Hoops for the past fives seasons now, and has managed 79 goals in just over 200 games for them.

He has been linked with a move away during that time, but has always remained clear on his happiness with Celtic.

However, Maeda's boss Martin O'Neill has revealed that his favourite forward could leave Celtic Park this summer.

David Moyes wants a new number nine, and the Celtic man has proven at club and national level that he can score no matter who the opponent is.

Now, Everton have been given a boost, as Maeda now looks open to a move to England.

Everton target Daizen Maeda wants Premier League move

South Korean outlet Chosun recently reported that Everton are interested in Celtic star Maeda.

The Scottish Premiership champions are said to have set an asking price of between £15million and £20m, with Brentford also interested.

Maeda impressed for Japan at the World Cup, scoring in his nation's 1-1 draw against Sweden, and also impressing in a defeat to Brazil.

Now, in an update on X from Sky Sports correspondent Anthony Joseph, this Monday, the 28-year-old has expressed his "strong desire" to move to the Premier League.

UPDATE: Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has revealed his “strong desire” to play in the English Premier League.

The Japan international has entered the last year of his contract with the Scottish champions and Hoops boss Martin O’Neill admitted he could leave this summer. https://t.co/mBw93dPQA5
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) July 13, 2026

He's in the final year of his deal with Celtic and could be available for cheaper than his real value.

Moyes knows that he is in need of a striker this summer to make up for the shortcomings of last season.

There are plenty of reasons why Everton is the perfect place for Maeda.

Daizen Maeda: The Everton target who Brendan Rodgers thinks is best in the world in one area

Why Everton are primed to sign Maeda

Moyes can get a glowing reference from his fellow Scottishman, by none other than Maeda's boss, O'Neill.

The Celtic and Everton boss operates in more traditional ways compared to most modern coaches, but that's what's helped Maeda perform so well in Scotland.

If Moyes does have some tactical ace's up his sleeve, the Japan international could be perfect for his plans due to his versatility across the frontline.

Not only that, but Maeda's talent is too good for a side struggling at the bottom of the Premier League, but he may also come short of what's required for a top five side.

The striker looks a perfect fit for Everton and vice-versa, so let's hope Moyes and Co. can work their magic.

Celtic Football Club