Credit: Imago/Giuseppe Ambrosino Instagram

Chris Smith

Thu 31 July 2025 16:07, UK

Celtic could step up their interest in Napoli striker Giuseppe Ambrosino as they face the prospect of losing Daizen Maeda this summer.

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Maeda was Celtic‘s top scorer in the Scottish Premiership last season with 16 goals, as they clinched a 13th title in the last 14 seasons — drawing level with Rangers on 55 in the process.

The Japan international has been a key source of final third output since joining the Hoops in 2022, registering 62 goals and 28 assists in 158 appearances across all competitions.

Though primarily a winger, Maeda has often covered the centre-forward position for Celtic.

(Credit: Getty)

Brendan Rodgers will be anxious as Maeda attracts attention from two Premier League clubs.

Tottenham Hotspur were understood to hold an early interest in Maeda, who has just two years left on his contract at Parkhead.

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But now, Football Insider understands that it’s Brentford who appear to be in pole position to sign the 27-year-old, according to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, with the Bees needing to replace Bryan Mbeumo following his move to Manchester United.

“Maeda is interested in a move to the Premier League,” he told Football Insider.

“I’d be surprised if Tottenham decided he was the one they wanted to bring in.

“I think they’ve got a few targets in his position and at the moment they’re going to be looking at others to come in and make a difference.

“Brentford are interested in him as well, and they’ve got a great track record in the market.

“They’ve been assessing him for a while, they’ll know his strengths and weaknesses, what he can bring to the team and where he would fit in.

“At the moment, they’re more likely to make a move for him than Tottenham are.

“Brentford have lost Mbeumo and Wissa might be going too, so they’ll be looking for a new forward.

“They’ve always found top replacements for players before and this might be the latest example of that, if they can agree a deal with Celtic.”

Ambrosino could leave Napoli this summer

Though primarily a winger, Maeda has performed excellently up-front for Celtic when required, and the simple need for him to do so highlights a shortage in that position.

Marinos man leave for the Premier League, Celtic’s need for a No.9 will become even greater.

Celtic statsDaizen MaedaAppearances158Goals62Assists28Daizen Maeda’s Celtic career stats

With that in mind, the Hoops may well re-ignite their interest in Napoli’s Ambrosino.

The Italy youth international spent last season on loan at Frosinone and registered five goals and four assists in 36 Serie B appearances, while he boasts an impressive record of 29 goals in 61 outings at youth level for Napoli.

A regular Italy youth international, Ambrosino has just one year left on his contract and will be available on a cut-price deal as he sits behind the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Lorenzo Lucca at the Partenopei.

Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke earmarked Ambrosino as a ‘surprise’ target for Brendan Rodgers earlier in July, and the Hoops could now move forward with that interest.

Alongside Ambrosino, Celtic have also been linked with an ambitious move for Jamie Vardy as a free agent this summer.

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