Daizen Maeda was spotted in Birmingham on April 12, 2026, after helping Celtic secure a narrow 1-0 victory against St Mirren. The match was highlighted by a goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but Maeda’s performance has drawn attention for all the wrong reasons.
During his visit, Maeda attended a Championship fixture where Birmingham triumphed over Wrexham with a score of 2-0. He also shared footage of his former teammate Tomoki Iwata, who has made a significant impact since leaving Celtic, scoring 10 goals in 90 appearances.
Despite his presence in Birmingham, Maeda’s form has been a cause for concern. 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. His last goal came in January during a dominant 4-0 win over Dundee United.
Critics have noted that Maeda’s performance has declined compared to the previous season, where he was a reliable option for Celtic. His teammate Kyogo Furuhashi has also faced challenges with game time this season, indicating a broader issue within the team.
As the World Cup approaches this summer, the pressure is mounting on Maeda to regain his form. Some fans have suggested that he needs to be dropped to regain his confidence and find his rhythm again. “It would be lovely to see the real version of Maeda one last time,” one observer remarked.
Despite the criticism, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill continues to trust Maeda, indicating that he believes in the player’s potential to bounce back. The connection between Maeda and Iwata remains strong, as they both share a history from their time at Celtic.
As Maeda navigates this challenging period, it remains to be seen how he will respond and whether he can reclaim his spot as a key player for Celtic. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can turn his fortunes around before the World Cup.