Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Japan international Daizen Maeda from Celtic, agreeing to a three-year deal with the forward.

The 28-year-old attacker moved to the Premier League club in a transfer valued at around 10 million pounds and featured for Japan at the 2026 World Cup, where the team advanced to the last 32 before elimination by Brazil.

During his time at Celtic, Maeda netted 79 goals across 212 matches and collected five league titles along with three Scottish Cups and two League Cups.

Maeda expressed his excitement to Ipswich's official site, noting he had long aspired to compete in the Premier League and felt welcomed by the club during discussions.

He emphasized his commitment to working hard, finding the net, creating chances, and giving full effort in every game.

Manager Gary O'Neil, who assumed control at Portman Road after Kieran McKenna's exit, described Maeda as a valuable addition to the squad.

The forward arrives after Ipswich earned promotion to the top flight by finishing second in the Championship under McKenna the previous season.

O'Neil highlighted Maeda's strong work rate, physical qualities, and proven ability to score and assist during his years in Scotland.

Maeda becomes the latest arrival alongside defender Issa Diop, winger Abdul Fatawu, striker Emersonn, and goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen.

Defender Cedric Kipre and forward Chuba Akpom also joined permanently after productive loan spells last season.

In a message to Celtic supporters, Maeda reflected on the past four and a half years as the most memorable period of his career, expressing gratitude for the badge, the club, teammates, staff, and fans.

He thanked everyone for their support through successes and challenges alike.

When Maeda arrived from the J-League in 2022 as an unheralded prospect, few anticipated the impact he would make at Celtic.

He joined early in Ange Postecoglou's tenure, initially on loan from Yokohama F Marinos in December 2022 before making the move permanent the next summer.

His speed and dynamism proved crucial on many occasions, though the 2025-26 season stands out as his most memorable contribution.

After Kyogo Furuhashi departed without a direct replacement, Maeda operated as the central striker for most of the campaign.

Early struggles gave way to a decisive turnaround at a critical juncture.

Following a stretch with just one goal in 18 outings and Celtic trailing Hearts at the top, Maeda delivered seven goals in five league games, including two winners.

His late strike in the title-deciding match against Hearts at Celtic Park secured a famous victory and ignited the crowd.

In his final outing, Maeda scored in the Scottish Cup final triumph over Dunfermline Athletic.

While supporters may regret his departure, many view the move as a fitting reward for his substantial contributions.

A Celtic statement praised his tireless energy and important goals over four and a half years, noting his popularity among fans and wishing him well at Ipswich Town.