Japanese international Daizen Maeda joins Ipswich City, becoming the first Japanese player in the club's history.

Premier League club Ipswich City has officially announced the signing of Japanese national team striker Daizen Maeda.

The 28-year-old striker has joined Ipswich City from Scottish Premiership giants Celtic, signing a contract until the summer of 2029. He becomes the first Japanese player in Ipswich City's history and the team's fifth new signing this summer.

Daizen Maeda has been in exceptional form in recent years. During his time with Celtic, he scored 79 goals in 212 appearances, winning five Scottish Premiership titles and five cup titles. In the 2024-25 season, he scored an impressive 33 goals, earning him the Scottish PFA Player of the Year award.

At the national team level, Daizen Maeda has made 30 appearances for Japan, scoring 5 goals, and will score a crucial goal in the 2026 World Cup match against Sweden.

Speaking about the transfer, Daizen Maeda couldn't hide his excitement in an interview: "I'm very proud to have signed with Ipswich City. Playing in the Premier League has always been my dream, and I'm happy to achieve it here. My goal will always be to fight hard, score goals and provide assists, and I will always run with all my might."

Ipswich City manager Gary O'Neill has high hopes for the new signing, saying in an interview: "We are very happy that Daizen Maeda has joined us. Moving to the Premier League is a goal he has been striving for throughout his career."

“He is not only extremely hardworking and physically excellent, but he has also proven his goal-scoring and creativity in Scotland. He will be a very valuable addition to the team.”

Image source: Internet/Ipswich City official website