Daizen Maeda was spotted in Birmingham after helping Celtic edge past St Mirren with a 1-0 victory on April 12, 2026. The match featured a decisive goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, securing crucial points for Celtic.
During his visit, Maeda attended a Championship fixture where Birmingham City defeated Wrexham 2-0. He shared footage of his former teammate Tomoki Iwata, highlighting the ongoing connection between the two players from their time at Celtic.
Despite his presence in Birmingham, Maeda’s performance has been under scrutiny. He has not scored or assisted in his last 13 games for Celtic, a stark contrast to his earlier season where he managed eight goals and eight assists in 47 appearances.
The last time Maeda found the back of the net was in January during a 4-0 victory over Dundee United. His recent struggles have led to calls from fans for him to be dropped from the starting lineup, with some expressing a desire to see the “real version of Maeda” return.
Maeda’s teammate Kyogo Furuhashi has also faced challenges this season, struggling for game time. Both players are expected to play a significant role in the upcoming World Cup this summer, adding pressure to improve their form.
Tomoki Iwata, who left Celtic for a new opportunity, has made 90 appearances and scored 10 goals since his departure, further emphasizing the contrasting fortunes of the two players.
Martin O’Neill, Celtic’s manager, continues to express trust in Maeda despite his lack of form, indicating a belief that the player can regain his previous performance levels.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Maeda can turn his fortunes around and contribute effectively to Celtic’s campaign.
