Reported Leeds United target Daizen Maeda has indicated he might remain at Celtic beyond this summer following a standout season with the Bhoys.
The 27-year-old forward has had an incredible run since transferring to Celtic from Yokohama F. Marinos in 2022. He bagged a personal best of 33 goals across all competitions last term.
His prowess was further highlighted by his four-goal tally in the Champions League, the most for a Celtic player in the competition since the days of Joe Craig back in the 1977/78 season. He also cleaned up at Scotland's Player of the Year awards.
While such form has sparked transfer speculation, with Tottenham Hotspur and Mourinho's Fenerbahce noted as possible suitors along with links to Leeds, Liverpool, and West Ham, Maeda expressed contentment at the Scottish giants after an exemplary campaign.
As per his comments to the Japanese media, Maeda reflected: "I was in great form both personally and with the team. I'd like to keep it up next season.", reports the Daily Record.
He continued to express gratitude towards those who aided his success: "I'm who I am because of my team. I'd like to thank my teammates, and above all, my family for supporting me so far."
Maeda also reminisced about his career's evolution: "My career really took off here in Mito. When I first came to Mito, I thought, 'No one can run at all!".
The dynamic forward shed light on his strengths: "My forte is sprinting multiple times during a match and running for 90 minutes straight. I came to Mito and learned about not wanting to lose games."
Turkish media are abuzz with speculation that Fenerbahce is set to intensify their chase for Celtic's star player. Fotomac recently revealed an "optimistic" £8.4million bid is in the works for the sought-after Japanese talent.
Yet, Yeni Safak reports that the influential Mourinho is urging Fenerbahce's hierarchy to splash out on the player, branding him a "top target" and signalling they are "ready" to heed the iconic manager's advice.
Celtic are believed to be holding out for at least £25million for Maeda, aiming to break their transfer record sale for the second summer in a row, following Matt O'Riley's lucrative move to Brighton last year.
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