Fulham and Brentford have entered the race to sign the Celtic striker, according to Football Insider, joining Everton and Nottingham Forest, who are already described as locked in an “open race” for the 28-year-old Japan international.
Maeda is understood to have made clear his wish to leave Celtic Park this summer. Sources close to the club suggest there’s a feeling at Parkhead that a departure would suit both parties, with Celtic keen to secure a fee before his contract enters its final year.
The numbers explain the interest. Maeda scored 17 goals and added 10 assists in all competitions last season, having managed 33 goals the year before. He’s shown he can perform on the biggest stage too, scoring for Japan against Sweden at the World Cup this summer.
For Everton, Maeda would add pace and directness to a forward line still waiting on Christian Kofane’s proposed move to be resolved. Moyes has generally looked to add competition and depth across the front line this summer rather than rely on one or two incomings, and Maeda’s versatility across the front three fits that pattern.
Fulham and Brentford’s arrival changes the equation, though. Both were already alert to Maeda’s situation according to earlier reports, but formal interest from two additional Premier League clubs means Everton and Forest can no longer treat this as a straightforward two-way contest. It’s the latest addition to Everton’s growing list of forward targets this summer.
