Maeda eyes Premier League switch with Celtic forward dreaming of England move in 2026

Celtic striker Daizen Maeda expresses his desire to play in England's top flight.

Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has revealed his ambition to play in England, stating he 'wants to take the next step' and that competing in the Premier League has always been his goal. The Japanese international made these remarks during a discussion with local media, highlighting his aspirations beyond Scottish football. His comments come as Celtic prepare for potential changes in their squad ahead of the next campaign. Maeda’s remarks underline his determination to test himself at the highest level.

Celtic have reached an agreement to sell Honduras winger Luis Palma to Lech Poznan following a successful loan spell with the Polish club. The deal marks another shift in Celtic’s squad restructuring as they look to balance their books and reinvest in other areas. Palma’s departure follows a period where he featured regularly during his loan, contributing to Lech Poznan’s campaign. The move reflects Celtic’s ongoing efforts to manage their transfer business amid financial constraints.

Rangers are engaged in discussions to sign 19-year-old defender Akpe Victory from Zalaegerszegi, with the Hungarian side reportedly seeking a fee exceeding £4 million. The teenager has drawn attention from several clubs, but Rangers appear to be leading the chase for his signature. Victory’s potential arrival would add depth to Rangers’ defensive options as they plan for the upcoming season. Negotiations are ongoing, with both parties yet to finalize terms.

Sunderland has opened talks with academy forward Finn Geragusian, while Rangers have also shown interest in the 18-year-old striker. Geragusian remains one of the most promising young talents in Scotland, and multiple clubs are vying for his signature. His potential move could signal a shift in Scotland’s youth development landscape. Both clubs are assessing their long-term plans before making a formal offer.

The Scottish FA has acknowledged that Hearts should have been awarded a penalty during their recent 1-1 draw with Motherwell. The incident involved a challenge on Alexandros Kyziridis by Tawanda Maswanhise, which officials now believe warranted a spot-kick. The admission comes after scrutiny of the match officials’ decisions in the aftermath of the game. Hearts will hope such acknowledgments lead to greater accuracy in future fixtures.

Former Aberdeen defender and ex-Rangers and Hibernian manager Alex McLeish has stated that Hearts winning the Premiership would be beneficial for Scottish football. McLeish, a respected figure in the game, believes such an achievement could raise the profile of the league. His comments reflect a broader optimism about the competitiveness of the Scottish top flight. The former manager’s perspective adds weight to Hearts’ ambitions this season.

Alfie Bavidge and Alfie Stewart are expected to sign new deals with Aberdeen, securing their futures at Pittodrie. The club’s decision to extend their contracts highlights their faith in the pair’s contributions. Meanwhile, Marko Lazetic is set to leave Aberdeen after his spell at the club concludes. The departures and arrivals reflect Aberdeen’s ongoing squad evolution.

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has suggested that Will Ferry will leave Dundee United this summer. Hallgrimsson made the remark after calling up the uncapped left-back to the national squad. Ferry’s potential departure could impact Dundee United’s defensive plans moving forward. The club will need to assess their options before the transfer window closes.

Ross County chairman Roy MacGregor has warned that competing in Scottish League One will serve as a reality check for the club. The club finds itself in Scotland’s third tier just two seasons after playing in the Premiership. MacGregor’s comments underscore the challenges of adjusting to lower-league football. The transition marks a significant shift in priorities and expectations for the Highland side.