Overview
- Ipswich confirmed on Saturday that Maeda has signed a three‑year contract to summer 2029 after passing a medical in London with the clubs agreeing an initial £8 million fee plus up to £2 million in add‑ons.
- Maeda said he was proud to fulfil his long‑held Premier League dream and becomes Ipswich’s first ever Japanese player.
- Manager Gary O’Neil praised Maeda’s work‑rate and goal threat and added him to a busy summer window that already includes signings such as Issa Diop, Abdul Fatawu, Emersonn and Chuba Akpom.
- Maeda leaves Celtic after four and a half years in Glasgow in which he scored 79 goals in about 212 appearances and helped the club win multiple league and cup trophies while featuring for Japan at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups.
- Celtic have publicly thanked Maeda and now face a clear transfer task to replace a high‑energy forward whose departure could shape further late summer moves for both clubs.