Daizen Maeda was spotted in Birmingham on April 12, 2026, after helping Celtic secure a narrow 1-0 victory against St Mirren. The match saw a crucial goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but Maeda’s own performance has been under scrutiny as he has not scored or assisted in his last 13 games.
During his visit, Maeda attended a Championship fixture where Birmingham triumphed over Wrexham with a score of 2-0. He shared footage of his former teammate Tomoki Iwata, which highlighted the enduring connection between the two players from their time at Celtic.
This season, Maeda has managed to score eight goals and provide eight assists in 47 appearances, a notable decline compared to his previous season’s contributions. The last time he found the net was in January during a commanding 4-0 victory over Dundee United.
Despite his struggles, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill continues to express trust in Maeda, emphasizing the importance of his presence on the pitch. However, some fans have voiced their concerns, with one stating, “Maeda needs to be dropped,” reflecting the frustration over his recent form.
As the World Cup approaches this summer, Maeda will be eager to regain his form and showcase his skills on an international stage. His teammate Kyogo Furuhashi has also faced challenges this season, struggling for game time, which adds to the pressure on Maeda to perform.
Tomoki Iwata, who has made 90 appearances and scored 10 goals since leaving Celtic, serves as a reminder of the potential that Maeda has yet to fully realize this season. Fans are hopeful that he can rediscover his scoring touch, with one remarking, “It would be lovely to see the real version of Maeda one last time.”
As the community watches closely, the connection between Maeda and his teammates remains strong, and there is a collective hope that he can turn his fortunes around in the coming weeks. For now, details remain unconfirmed regarding any changes to his role in the team as the season progresses.
