Club announce Daizen Maeda deal just 12 hours after Celtic made his release clause public, as they push to land Kasper Høgh.

The transfer market has moved at lightning speed, with Daizen Maeda’s future taking another dramatic twist. Just 12 hours after Celtic reportedly made the Japanese forward’s release clause public, another club officially announced an agreement to bring him in, marking what could be one of the biggest departures of the Scottish champions’ summer rebuild.

The rapid developments have left Celtic supporters with mixed emotions. Maeda has become one of the club’s most influential players over recent seasons, combining relentless work rate with crucial goals in domestic and European competitions. However, reports throughout the week suggested that the Parkhead hierarchy had accepted the player’s desire for a new challenge, opening the door for negotiations once the financial terms matched the club’s valuation.

The announcement came quicker than many expected. After speculation intensified over the previous 24 hours, the buying club confirmed that a deal had been agreed in principle, subject to the remaining formalities. The swift conclusion highlighted how advanced discussions had become behind the scenes before the release clause details emerged publicly.

For Celtic, the timing is far from accidental. Club officials are believed to have been working on replacement plans for several weeks, ensuring they would not be caught short if Maeda completed his move. Rather than waiting until the transfer was finalized, recruitment staff had already identified several attacking targets capable of filling the enormous gap his departure would leave.

At the top of that shortlist is Bodø/Glimt striker Kasper Høgh.

The Danish forward has been linked with Celtic on multiple occasions, and recent reports suggest the Scottish champions have revived their interest after failing to secure him earlier in the year. Høgh’s goalscoring record in Norway, combined with his impressive performances in European competition, has convinced the Celtic recruitment team that he possesses the qualities needed to succeed in Glasgow.

Sources close to the negotiations indicate Celtic are preparing to reinvest much of the money generated by Maeda’s departure into strengthening their attack. While Høgh is not viewed as a direct like-for-like replacement, his physical presence, finishing ability and movement inside the penalty area would offer a different dimension to the team’s forward line.

Supporters have already begun debating whether replacing Maeda’s incredible energy is even possible. The Japan international earned admiration not only for his goals but also for his relentless pressing, defensive contribution and willingness to run tirelessly throughout every match. Those characteristics made him a fan favourite and a key tactical weapon.

Manager Martin O’Neill has reportedly accepted that replacing one player with identical qualities is unrealistic. Instead, the strategy appears to focus on building a more balanced attack, with Høgh potentially providing a focal point while other forwards contribute the pace and pressing that Maeda brought to the side.

Negotiations with Bodø/Glimt are expected to be challenging. The Norwegian champions value Høgh highly and are under little pressure to sell, especially with the striker under a long-term contract. Reports suggest Celtic may need to exceed their previous valuation if they hope to convince the Norwegian club to sanction the transfer this summer.

The transfer activity does not appear likely to stop there. Celtic continue monitoring additional attacking and midfield reinforcements as they prepare for another demanding campaign that includes domestic competition and European football. Club executives understand supporters expect immediate investment following the departure of one of the squad’s biggest stars.

Reaction among fans has been divided. Many have thanked Maeda for his outstanding contribution and accepted his desire to test himself elsewhere, while others question whether the reported transfer fee truly reflects his importance to the team. Regardless of opinion, there is widespread agreement that Celtic must act quickly to complete replacement signings before the competitive season begins.

Høgh remains the priority target, but Celtic are believed to have alternative options should negotiations fail. Recruitment staff have reportedly continued scouting across Scandinavia and other European leagues to ensure the club is prepared for every possible outcome.

As things stand, Maeda’s chapter at Celtic appears to be drawing to a close, while a new one could soon begin for Kasper Høgh. If Celtic can successfully turn the proceeds of one major transfer into another statement signing, supporters may look back on these hectic 12 hours as the moment the club’s next attacking era truly began.