“£25M SUPERSTAR DROPS JAW-DROPPING HINT AT WEST HAM TRANSFER BOMBSHELL AFTER SMASHING 33 GOALS AND SNAGGING PLAYER OF THE YEAR!”

As expected, Jarrod Bowen was West Ham’s latest nominee in claret and blue. Who else could it have been?

At the close of the 2021/22 season, the Hammers captain earned a spot on the Premier League’s shortlist alongside the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kevin De Bruyne, Joao Cancelo, Heung-Min Son, Bukayo Saka, future teammate James Ward-Prowse, and eventual winner Mohamed Salah.

Now, three years later, Bowen and Aaron Wan-Bissaka appear locked in a tight two-horse race for West Ham’s 2025 Hammer of the Year.

The fans remain divided over who deserves the accolade more, as both have thrived under Graham Potter.

However, while the internal battle continues in East London, the broader Premier League accolades look to be out of reach for any claret-and-blue representative this time around.

Still, north of the border, there is encouraging news for West Ham as Daizen Maeda, one of their reported targets, scooped the Scotland Player of the Year award—just as the summer transfer window looms.

Maeda Wins Scotland Player of the Year Amid West Ham Interest

Though West Ham have already been in discussions with Celtic prospect Daniel Cummings, it’s another name on Brendan Rodgers’ roster drawing serious interest—Daizen Maeda.

Maeda, now valued at around £25 million, has grown into one of Celtic’s most important players over the past year.

Once a tireless forward who lacked finesse in front of goal, he’s developed into a clinical and relentless attacker.

The Japanese international has drawn comparisons to Bowen for his work rate and improved end product.

Previously, his highest goal tally for a season in Celtic colours was 11. This campaign, however, Maeda has exploded, scoring 33 goals and providing 12 assists, all while helping the Hoops claim a fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title.

Rodgers has even gone so far as to say Maeda plays like two men when out of possession.

Although he narrowly missed out on the Golden Boot to Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers, Maeda’s haul of individual honours isn’t lacking, with the Scotland Player of the Year trophy now proudly displayed on his mantelpiece.

Signed by Celtic under Ange Postecoglou, who previously managed him in Japan, Maeda has admirably filled the void left by Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure to Rennes in January.

“I’m very happy to receive the award,” Maeda said, crediting his teammates for his success. “It’s because of them I’ve received this.

Then come the managers, coaches, staff—and of course my parents. I’m really pleased to win it for them.”

Future Uncertain as Maeda Drops Potential Exit Hint

Maeda’s future at Celtic, however, is now subject to speculation. As many Celtic fans know, stars who shine too brightly in the Scottish Premiership rarely stay long.

With growing interest from Premier League clubs and Maeda now 27, it’s reasonable to wonder whether he’s outgrown the Scottish top flight.

And while he remains committed for the moment, his recent comments hint at an openness to new opportunities—something that will surely catch West Ham’s attention.

“This is a world where you never know what’s going to happen next,” Maeda said.

“This is a good team, but I need to think about what comes next with my family and everything.

Now, my focus is on this team. We’ll just get the games done, then let’s see what happens.”

West Ham’s hopes of landing an award-winning forward could rest on what happens next.