“Everton Set to SHOCK Football World with AUDACIOUS Swoop for ‘GOD-TIER’ Superstar Striker Begging to Join!”
Everton are reportedly weighing up a surprise move for Celtic forward Daizen Maeda, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
David Moyes is believed to be exploring options to strengthen his attacking department ahead of next year, with Maeda emerging as one of several potential recruits.
Concerns have grown over the early-season displays of Beto and Thierno Barry, both of whom have struggled to make an impact in front of goal.
Barry, a £27 million summer arrival from Villarreal, is yet to score in six Premier League outings, while Beto has only managed one goal — the winner in the 3-2 victory over Wolves.
Although Jack Grealish has been a standout performer for Everton so far, the club remain open to further additions in attack in 2026, with Maeda firmly on their radar.
Everton Eye Celtic Star Daizen Maeda
O’Rourke claims that Maeda could be enticed by a Premier League switch after becoming unsettled by interest during the summer.
While Celtic are reluctant to let last season’s top scorer leave midway through the campaign, they may find themselves in a weaker bargaining position at the end of the season, as the Japan international will then have just 12 months left on his current deal.
Maeda, widely praised as a “world-class” talent, first joined Celtic on loan from Yokohama F. Marinos in January 2022 before completing a permanent move that summer.
The 27-year-old made his 170th appearance for the club in Thursday’s 2-0 Europa League defeat to Braga, which extended Celtic’s winless run to three games following draws against Red Star Belgrade and Hibernian.
This season, Maeda has contributed two goals and two assists in 12 appearances under Brendan Rodgers but has yet to hit the same heights as in 2024/25, when he registered an incredible 33 goals and 12 assists in 51 games, inspiring Celtic to a league and cup double.
Everton, who invested over £110 million in new signings during the summer – including Barry, Grealish, Tyler Dibling, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Adam Aznou – currently sit 10th in the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace.
