Maeda was called up to Japan's World Cup squad off the back of his 2025-26 campaign, and the forward scored one goal in three appearances, with his side bowing out at the round of the 32 stage after a 2-1 defeat against Brazil.
In fairness, it was a tough draw at such an early stage for Japan, who managed to take the lead against Carlo Ancelotti's side, but the Celtic star was unable to make an impact prior to being replaced by Koki Ogawa just before injury time.
That said, the 28-year-old has impressed at club level across the past five seasons, amassing 79 goals and 38 assists in 212 matches for the Scottish side, which suggests he may now be ready for a move to the Premier League.
Football FanCast's Verdict
Credibility
Forest struggled from an attacking point of view at times last season, with 12 of their 48 Premier League goals coming in their final five matches. With that in mind, Oliver Glasner may be keen to improve his forward line.
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Finances
Celtic are set to demand £15m - £20m for the Japan international, which should be more than affordable for the Tricky Trees, considering they are widely reported to have raised £116m from selling Elliot Anderson to Manchester City.
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Insight
The versatile forward is capable of playing on both flanks and through the middle as a centre-forward. Last season, he amassed 17 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, while Chris Sutton described him as "the fittest player in the universe" in January of last year.
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Impact
Forest may need to reshape their attack this summer, considering Arnaud Kalimuendo scored just two goals in 14 games before being shipped out on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt. Winger Dilane Bakwa also failed to make the desired impact, registering two assists and no goals in 14 Premier League matches.
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Forest and Fulham could battle it out for Daizen Maeda
According to a report from Puribets (via Chosun Daily), Nottingham Forest and Fulham could now be set to battle it out for Maeda's signature, with both Premier League sides expressing interest.
The £15m - £20m price tag set by Celtic is deemed to be reasonable, and English sides are now queuing up to secure his signature, with Everton and Brentford also named as potential suitors.
Daizen Maeda could make major impact in the Premier League
Maeda proved himself on the grandest of stages by scoring in Japan's 1-1 draw against Sweden at the World Cup, while he has also been one of Celtic's key players since arriving from Yokohama F. Marinos back in 2021.
Perhaps most impressively, the 30-cap Japan star chipped in with 16 goals and ten assists in 34 Scottish Premiership matches during the 2024-25 season, with the Hoops going on to win the Scottish Premiership title.
In fact, during the same campaign, the former Yokohama F. Marinos man scored four goals and provided one assist in nine Champions League matches, highlighting that he has what it takes to perform at the very highest level.
With Bakwa failing to impress during his first season at the City Ground, Forest could do with bringing in another forward, and Maeda could be the ideal addition to Glasner's squad.
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