Ipswich Town have blown the transfer market wide open with another statement of intent, officially announcing the acquisition of dynamic and versatile attacker Daizen Maeda from Scottish giants Celtic in a deal worth up to £10 million.
The Tractor Boys have agreed to pay an initial fee of £8 million, with an extra £2 million packaged in performance-based add-ons. Maeda has put pen to paper on a lucrative three-year contract at Portman Road that runs until the summer of 2029, cementing his status as Ipswich’s fifth major summer arrival following the acquisitions of Emersonn from Toulouse (£26m), Kayne van Oevelen from FC Volendam (£3.4m), Abdul Fatawu from Leicester City (£20m), and Issa Diop from Fulham (£8.5m).
Fulfilling a Premier League Dream
Speaking to the club’s media channels after completing his medical and finalizing his contract, an ecstatic Maeda expressed his pride at making the switch to English football.
“I am very proud to sign for Ipswich Town,” Maeda beamed. “I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League and I am very happy I can realise that dream with this club. I have loved all of the conversations with the club and they have made me feel very welcome.
“My aim will always be to battle hard, score goals and provide assists for my team – I will always run and give everything that I have. I am excited to learn more about the club and meet the supporters.”
Manager Gary O’Neil was equally thrilled to secure the signature of the coveted forward, praising the forward’s relentless work ethic and elite physical profile.
“We’re very pleased to have Daizen join the club,” O’Neil stated. “Playing in the Premier League is something I know he has been working towards throughout his career and we are proud he has made the decision to do that now at Ipswich Town.
“He works extremely hard and has impressive physical attributes, while also proving over a number of years playing in Scotland that he has the ability to score goals and create for his team. He will be a valuable member of the squad and we look forward to him joining up with the group.”
A Proven Winner Heading to Portman Road
Maeda arrives in East Anglia with a glittering CV accumulated during his ultra-successful spell in Glasgow. Having joined Celtic in 2022 following stints with Japanese outfit Yokohama F. Marinos and Portuguese side Maritimo, the 28-year-old established himself as an indispensable fan favourite.
During his time north of the border, Maeda lifted an astonishing collection of silverware, including five Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups, and two Scottish League Cups.
Capable of operating across any position across the front line while predominantly starring off the left flank, the Japanese international brings invaluable elite-level experience. He boasts 30 senior caps for his country and was a standout performer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting three of Japan’s four matches and famously netting the opening goal in their thrilling clash against Sweden.
Building a Squad for the Top Flight
With Maeda’s arrival bolstering an already ambitious Ipswich Town squad, the Blues are proving they have absolute clarity and financial muscle as they prepare for the rigours of the Premier League.
Combining relentless defensive pressing, blistering pace, and proven pedigree on both domestic and international stages, the £10 million man looks ready to take Portman Road by storm. As pre-season gathers momentum, Ipswich supporters have every reason to believe their club is ready to make serious waves in the top flight.
