Chris Sutton says Celtic 'rule' does not apply to Daizen Maeda afer revelation
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
(Credit: Imago)
Ciaran Morrison
Sat 6 September 2025 13:38, UK
Daizen Maeda has not followed the same Celtic rule as other players who have wanted to leave the club, Chris Sutton has revealed.
Maeda revealed he asked to leave Celtic during the summer window, but was denied his request by the club due to a lack of transfer business.
Kelechi Iheanacho joined Celtic as a free agent after deadline day, after Adam Idah’s exit left Rodgers short of a proven goal scorer.
Credit: Getty Images
In the Daily Record [6 September], Sutton stated that Celtic have not followed the same rules with Maeda against previous stars who have wanted to leave the club.
Eventually we’ll probably hear the same about Adam Idah. Their heads were turned so they had to go.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
“The message from Celtic was it’s unrealistic to keep a player who has had their head turned and expect the same level of performance and commitment.
“But that rule doesn’t apply to Maeda apparently.
Listen, if there is one player who you wouldn’t question when it comes to commitment, even in these circumstances, it’s Daizen Maeda.”
Football Insider Verdict
Maeda is now stuck at Celtic until January, after the 27-year-old did not get his wish to leave Glasgow.
Football Insider exclusively revealed Brentford and Tottenham both held interest in Maeda during the window.
The Japanese international has only registered one goal and two assists this season following on from a spectacular 2024/25 campaign.
Daizen MaedaStatsAppearances51Goals33Assists12Daizen Maeda’s 2024/25 stats at Celtic in all competitions.
Rodgers would have been expecting more impact from Maeda, and the Celtic boss now has more options to choose from following the signings of Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Tounekti.
If those signings had been made earlier in the window, Celtic may have sanctioned Maeda’s exit, and Rodgers will have Jota returning from a long-term injury early next year, meaning a possible departure is still on the cards in January.