Leeds United will go heavy in the transfer market this summer in order to give Daniel Farke the best chance of avoiding relegation – but typically, Leeds are being linked with a new player every day.
There is no doubt that new sporting director Adam Underwood and his team will be scouring the market for new signings. Scout reports and analysis will have been done on hundreds of potential new signings.
Leeds need additions in most areas of the pitch. A goalkeeper, a centre-back, a left-back, a midfielder, a no.10, a proven striker and better strength in depth with more than £100m set aside for incoming bodies.
Even on Sunday, Leeds have been linked with Man City’s James McAtee. Now, a report says Leeds are looking to sign one of Ao Tanaka’s close pals, in the form of Celtic speed machine Daizen Maeda.
Leeds in the mix for Celtic star Daizen Maeda, but he’s not cheap
Three years since his move to Celtic under Ange Postecoglou, attacker Maeda has enjoyed his best year with the Scottish champions. The 23-time Japan star has clocked up 33 goals and 12 assists in 49 games.
Celtic have the League Cup and Scottish Premiership title as Brendan Rodgers eyes another treble and Maeda has been key to that. Caught Offside list Leeds as a potential suitor for Maeda this summer.
It is claimed that Celtic have slapped a £25m asking price on Maeda’s shoulders. Fulham, Brentford, West Ham and Crystal Palace are also keen on Maeda, who Michael Stewart has described as “incredible”.
Ao Tanaka stunned by Daizen Maeda’s triple haul last week
Tanaka and Maeda have never actually played together at club level, but the duo have shared a pitch for Japan on 16 occasions. The Japan U23 team, the Japan Olympics Team, and the senior Japan side of late.
Clearly, the duo are close and if Leeds were serious about landing the 27-year-old Celtic star, there is no doubt that Tanaka would be asked about Maeda and vice versa, Maeda would ask Tanaka about Leeds.
Last week, Maeda took home three awards from Celtic’s end-of-season party – winning top goalscorer, players’ player of the season and player of the season. Tanaka was left astounded on Maeda’s Instagram.
Maeda replied, congratulating Tanaka on also winning Leeds’ PPOTY award and winning promotion. The two will meet with Japan next month, when they face Australia and Indonesia in World Cup qualifying.
