13 July 2026SideLine · sports news, rewritten
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O'Neill Willing to Let Maeda Leave for Free to Keep Him at Celtic

By SideLine Desk ·
O'Neill Willing to Let Maeda Leave for Free to Keep Him at Celtic

Martin O'Neill, the former Celtic manager, has revealed he would be content for Daizen Maeda to leave the club for nothing upon the expiry of his contract if it ensured he stayed at Parkhead. O'Neill's stance highlights a strong desire to retain the player's services.

Former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has expressed a surprising sentiment regarding Daizen Maeda's future, suggesting he would be more than happy for the Japanese international to depart the club without a transfer fee. This unconventional approach stems from O'Neill's clear wish to see Maeda remain at Celtic Park for the entirety of his current contract.

The admission, made by the former boss, indicates a deep appreciation for Maeda's contribution and a strategic priority placed on keeping the player within the squad. Rather than focusing on potential financial gains from a transfer, O'Neill's reported viewpoint prioritizes the immediate benefit of Maeda's presence on the pitch for Celtic.

💬 SideLine Take

This is a remarkable statement from O'Neill, showcasing an unusual but perhaps astute managerial perspective that values player retention over immediate financial returns. It underscores the importance of Maeda to Celtic's plans.

AI-assisted rewrite. This story was written by the SideLine Desk from the reporting below and reviewed by our editors — read the original for the full story. How we work.
Source: Yahoo Sports

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