Celtic risk summer revolt as Viljami Sinisalo makes Daizen Maeda transfer admission
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Credit: Imago Tue 28 April 2026 11:45, UK Celtic must do all they can to keep Daizen Maeda at the club this summer after Viljami Sinisalo’s recent admission about his potential exit.Maeda scored twice for Celtic on Saturday to help fire them to a 3-1 win over Falkirk as the Premiership title race took another twist.Martin O’Neill’s side are now second in the table after Rangers’ loss to Motherwell on Sunday, with Maeda set to play a key role as they look to clinch the title over the next four games.The future of the Japan striker has been up in the air over recent months, but the outgoing Hoops boss has recently admitted that he expects Maeda to be sold this summer.It remains to be seen if he is part of Celtic’s transfer plans, but they should be trying their hardest to keep him on and avoid a potential revolt after Sinisalo’s admission on the situation. 🔄 Celtic Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Parkhead boardroom. VISIT THE CELTIC TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Celtic can not sell Daizen Maeda after what Viljami Sinisalo said about himSources have previously revealed to Football Insider that Celtic plan to accept offers for Maeda in the summer as he approaches the final year of his contract at Parkhead.He has remained a key part of O’Neill’s side in recent months, though, and reinforced his importance to the club by scoring that brace on Saturday.Appearances32Goals9Assists6Shots59Chances created (Big chances created)32 (13)Successful dribbles %47.4%Touches in opposition box148Fouls won21Maeda’s 2025-26 Premiership statsDespite his star turn, the outgoing Hoops manager did admit after the Falkirk match that he expects the 28-year-old to move on this summer because he has not yet signed a new contract.Celtic can not afford to let him leave, not just because of the impact he makes on the pitch, but also because of how well-respected he is off it.Keeper Sinisalo heaped praise on Maeda after Saturday’s win, insisting that the club must do everything they can to keep hold of him this summer.When asked if he wants the Japan star to sign a new contract, he said: “Absolutely.
He’s a brilliant guy, a great player and human being.“People like Daizen are big for the changing room and big for the club. I hope he stays.
He’s just an amazing man and we are lucky to have him.“He’s been amazing. Everyone knows he’s got that in him.”It clearly makes little sense for the Hoops to cash in on Maeda, especially considering that the fee they are likely to receive for him will not be worth it, given his age and lack of contract length.They should not risk upsetting the harmony of the squad by letting one of their biggest off-field assets leave the club for a lesser figure.Parkhead chiefs need to accelerate contract talks and offer him the best terms possible to get a new deal over the line, and then at least they can not be blamed for his exit if he decides to take on another challenge.Maeda could be convinced to stay by a new manager – who are the frontrunners?There is a lot of change afoot at Celtic this summer, with O’Neill on his way out and a new replacement set to be hired when the season ends.The Hoops will hope that their next boss has a part to play in keeping hold of their top stars, like Maeda, but it remains to be seen if that will be the case.It would seem more likely that a big-name manager can convince him to stay, so appointing someone such as Thomas Frank, who is 7/2 odds to be O’Neill’s successor, would make a lot of sense in that regard.He is only behind Robbie Keane in the running, who comes in at 2/1 with one of the UK’s top bookmakers, while Jens Berthel Askou is also priced at 7/2 as it stands.The likes of Roberto Martinez (4/1), Craig Bellamy (7/1) and Shaun Maloney (12/1) are each also believed to be in contention to take over at Parkhead next.