Celtic are ready to open talks to sign the £8.5m star

One of the biggest challenges facing the Celtic board in the upcoming transfer window will be keeping hold of star player Daizen Maeda.

The Hoops turned down an offer to sell him to German club Wolfsburg last summer, and it has now been revealed that he could be interested in a move to the Premier League next season.

Maeda has just one year left on his contract at Parkhead and the upcoming window could be the club’s last chance to recoup a fair transfer fee for his services.

The Japanese striker finished the 2025/26 campaign with 17 goals and 10 assists in 54 games in all competitions for the Scottish giants, scoring in every game after the break and in the SFA Cup final against Dunfermline.

His special end of season could attract suitors from around the world and it looks like a tough task to convince him to stay in Glasgow for another year.

Celtic are ready to hold talks to sign Premier League talent

Another way the Hoops could try to persuade Maeda to stay at the club, would be to show ambition in the transfer market by splashing the cash on new players.

The Scottish Premiership champions are currently reportedly looking to look for a star who could play a role in Maeda’s future to be added to the squad at the end of the season.

According to the Daily Record, Celtic are interested in a deal to bring Julian Araujo back to Parkhead on another loan or permanent deal in the summer transfer window.

The report states that it is understood that they are ready to hold talks with Premier League club Bournemouth about another move for the Mexican player.

It is added, however, that Celtic are considering where they will choose in that position and that the Cherries may hold on, as there are other clubs surrounding the defender.

Araujo will travel to the World Cup with Mexico next month and the Premier League side may want to see how he fares on the big stage before signing him.

How signing Julian Araujo could help Celtic keep Daizen Maeda

A push to secure a deal for the Mexican star, who joined Bournemouth from Barcelona for £8.5m, could play a role in keeping Maeda at Parkhead, as it would show the striker the club mean business this summer.

Proving to the Japanese player that the club is willing to invest in the squad to build a team that can compete better in Europe could help him pen a new contract in Glasgow.

This is why Maeda would like the Hoops to sign Araujo, who would cost the same amount as the Cherries, as he has impressed on loan.

In ten league games on loan with the Scottish giants, the Mexican player caught the eye for the quality he brought to the pitch off and between the ball.

Araujo is a reliable centre-back, rarely makes costly mistakes, and is skilled on the ball as a passer to be valuable in the build-up, while he also scored a stunning goal to win the game against Kilmarnock.

The 24-year-old talent, who Bournemouth boss Neill Blake says has “huge potential”, is entering the prime of his career and could be the perfect player to compete with Alistair Johnston, who has had his own injury problems, next season and beyond.

Celtic need a deep and strong squad to compete in Europe, which is why they need to invest in quality competition, and bringing in Araujo will leave Martin O’Neill or his successor with a strong stable on the right.

Maeda, therefore, would like this signing from the Hoops because it would show the club’s desire and prove that they are willing to spend money to build a competitive team around him.

That doesn’t mean the signing of Araujo alone will be enough to convince the Japanese star to sign a new contract with Celtic, but it could be a strong start to the club’s crucial summer window.

The Hoops need to strengthen the squad if they are to finally compete for European glory and appeal to their best stars to stay, and the signing of the Mexican would be a good step in the right direction.