Craig Moore: Why Celtic’s Daizen Maeda Era Faces a Critical Crossroads

Craig Moore and Charlie Mulgrew Reflect on Celtic’s Managerial Uncertainty

November in Glasgow usually brings a cold wind and restless football debates. But this year, Celtic’s fans find themselves in a peculiar limbo: Martin O’Neill is back in the dugout, but only as a temporary stabilizer. The club remains without a permanent manager after Brendan Rodgers’ abrupt resignation last month, and January’s transfer window looms like a crossroads for the squad’s future. Injuries, rumors, and unanswered questions swirl. Amidst this uncertainty, pundits like Craig Moore and Charlie Mulgrew are raising pointed concerns about the fate of one player in particular—Daizen Maeda.

Daizen Maeda: A Story of Unfulfilled Promise?

Daizen Maeda’s arrival at Celtic in 2022 was supposed to herald a new era under Ange Postecoglou’s stewardship. Yet, two years on, the Japan international finds himself at the center of speculation and frustration. Mulgrew, speaking candidly on Go Radio, wondered aloud who made the final call to block Maeda’s summer exit—an echo of last January’s scenario, when Kyogo Furuhashi was allowed to leave for Rennes mid-season.

Mulgrew’s remarks cut to the heart of the matter: “Maeda is a big one. If the new manager, does he keep Maeda? Is he getting let go? Martin O’Neill seems to have sort of got a tune back out of him… But you can’t keep a player for too long if they don’t want to be there.” The implication is clear. If Maeda’s desire to move on persists, Celtic risk losing not only his potential on the pitch but also the intangible energy that a fully committed player brings to the squad.

Craig Moore: ‘A Dead End’ for Maeda at Celtic

Craig Moore, the former Australia international and frequent football analyst, echoes Mulgrew’s concerns but adds his own perspective. While acknowledging Maeda’s ability to score goals and inject pace into the team, Moore’s assessment is sobering: “You have that feeling as if it’s coming to a dead end, and it’s time to move on.” It’s not just about statistics or tactical fit—it’s about emotional investment, both from the player and the club.

Moore notes the potential loss for Celtic if Maeda departs, emphasizing the unique energy and work ethic he brings. Yet, he’s candid about the reality: “I don’t know if he is or he isn’t invested still within the football club.” That uncertainty mirrors the broader instability at Celtic, where a lack of managerial direction has left key decisions hanging in the balance.

Injury Woes and Transfer Dilemmas: Celtic’s Winter of Uncertainty

As the January transfer window approaches, Celtic’s injury list grows longer, compounding the pressure to make decisive moves. The club faces a familiar dilemma: should they hold onto players who may no longer be fully committed, or let them leave and reinvest in fresh talent? Mulgrew’s suggestion is pragmatic—if Maeda wants out, Celtic should facilitate the transfer and use the funds to bring in players who fit the new manager’s vision.

This is not just a story about one footballer. It’s about the fragile ecosystem of a top club, where individual ambitions, team chemistry, and leadership must align. The consequences of indecision are real: a demotivated player can disrupt the dressing room and stall progress on the pitch. Conversely, a well-timed sale can refresh the squad and restore momentum, especially with a new manager poised to reshape the team.

Looking Ahead: The Need for Clarity and Commitment

For Celtic supporters, the coming weeks will be pivotal. The appointment of a new manager is not just a formality—it’s the catalyst for resolving lingering questions about Maeda and others. Will the club choose to retain him, hoping for a renaissance under new leadership? Or will they finally grant his wish to move on, ushering in a new chapter for both player and club?

Moore and Mulgrew’s comments offer a window into the complex reality facing Celtic. The story is no longer just about transfer rumors—it’s about identity, ambition, and the willingness to make tough decisions for the sake of progress. As the green and white faithful wait for answers, one thing is clear: Celtic cannot afford to drift. The crossroads is here, and every choice will shape the club’s future.

Craig Moore’s assessment—that Maeda’s journey at Celtic has reached a ‘dead end’—captures the broader sense of urgency facing the club. With managerial uncertainty and a restless transfer market, Celtic must act decisively to secure their future, whether that means reinvesting in new talent or rediscovering commitment within their ranks. The coming transfer window is not just a business transaction; it’s a test of leadership and vision.