Celtic are preparing to cash in on Daizen Maeda this summer, with the arrival of Camilo Duran set to free up a first-team spot at Parkhead.
The Scottish champions have been working to address concerns over a lack of attacking reinforcements, and Duran’s signing represents a significant step forward in their transfer business.
However, his arrival has a direct knock-on effect, with Celtic now reportedly willing to listen to offers for the Japanese forward Maeda.
As reported by Football Insider, Celtic are ready to sell Maeda on the condition that they receive a fee representing good value for money.
Maeda publicly stated his desire for a new challenge following Japan’s World Cup exit, and that admission has placed several Premier League clubs on high alert.
Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Everton and Brentford are all understood to be interested in signing the winger ahead of the new season.
Maeda himself is seriously interested in a move to England, which increases the likelihood of a departure before the summer transfer window closes.
Celtic hold the advantage in negotiations for now, but that leverage could diminish quickly given the forward has just one year remaining on his current contract.
The Hoops are keen not to lose him for nothing and recognise this summer as arguably their final opportunity to command a strong transfer fee.
Maeda was a key figure for Celtic last season, scoring a late winner against Hearts to clinch the title, and had scored 33 goals in the campaign prior to that.
His potential exit leaves a significant void in Martin O’Neill’s squad at a time when the club has already been grappling with a shortage of goals.
Much of the attention now falls on Duran to step up and fill that void, though questions remain about whether the incoming forward can handle the pressure immediately.
The 24-year-old arrives from Qarabag having scored five goals in 10 Champions League games last season, demonstrating genuine quality at a high level of European football.
That record suggests he has the ability to make a mark in the Scottish Premiership, though replacing a player of Maeda’s impact will be no straightforward task.
Celtic will hope Duran can hit the ground running and ease concerns surrounding the squad’s attacking output heading into a crucial domestic and European season.