Celtic: Japan friendlies can help rescue Hoops’ season if Daizen Maeda finally returns to form

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(Credit: Imago) Wed 25 March 2026 20:30, UK Celtic’s season could be saved if Daizen Maeda takes the opportunity to return to form during the international break.The 28-year-old has been dire for the Hoops for months, and has not scored since the 4-0 victory over Dundee United back in January.With Celtic’s forward problems being the bane of Martin O’Neill’s squad at the moment, it is vital that he returns to form for the final games of the season.Now, with the international break underway, Maeda has been presented this chance with the Japan national team.Below, Football Insider examines how important these games could be for Celtic’s frustrating season. ⚽ Celtic Matchday ⚽ >Team news, line-ups, expert previews and verdicts, and tactical analysis for every Hoops fixture. VISIT THE CELTIC MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Daizen Maeda has been woeful for Celtic this seasonHow poor Maeda has been in recent weeks cannot be understated.The attacker has provided little to nothing up top, which has even resulted in him being dropped for a few games.Daizen Maeda’s Scottish Premiership stats this seasonPer 90 minutesGoals 0.28Shots 2.15Assists 0.20Chances created 1.18Successful dribbles 0.69Dispossessed 1.30Maeda has a mixed set of stats this season.

Credit: FotmobYet, despite his dire form, Celtic have few other options, with their attack woefully lacking the quality for the Scottish Premiership title fight.However, a goal could see Maeda return to form and finally start to add something to Celtic’s team.Now, Japan’s upcoming friendlies against Scotland and England present a chance for the Hoops star to finally achieve this, with the attack included in the squad.Daizen Maeda admits he can’t wait to face his Celtic teammates at Hampden this week on international duty.And Maeda admits it will be a strange experience for him to play for Japan at Hampden instead of Celtic.He said: “It will be a very happy experience for me to play in my… pic.twitter.com/ViIeEQevBr— Celtic FC News Room (@cfcnewsroom) March 25, 2026 If he can return from international duty on form, this could continue into the final few games of the season and help Celtic secure the Scottish Cup and potentially the league title.As a result, these Japan friendlies could completely turn Celtic’s season around by helping to solve their biggest current issue on the pitch.What does the future hold for Maeda at Celtic?Football Insider exclusively revealed that Celtic are preparing to cash in on Maeda in the summer.This comes as the striker is set to enter the final year of his contract, meaning time is running out for the Hoops to make any money on the star.The Japan international is understood to be keen to move away from Celtic Park and explore a new challenge.Therefore, Maeda is running out of time if he wants to end his Celtic career on a high note or end his stay with one of the worst campaigns in recent history.