In a surprising turn of events, Daizen Maeda was spotted in Birmingham on April 12, 2026, shortly after assisting Celtic in their 1-0 victory against St Mirren. The match, which saw a decisive goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, marked a crucial moment for Maeda, who has been struggling with form this season.
During his visit, Maeda attended a Championship fixture where Birmingham triumphed over Wrexham with a score of 2-0. His presence at the game sparked conversations among fans, particularly as he shared footage of his former teammate Tomoki Iwata, who has been thriving since leaving Celtic.
Despite his contributions earlier in the season, Maeda’s performance has noticeably declined. He has not scored or assisted in his last 13 games, a stark contrast to his previous season where he netted eight goals and provided eight assists in 47 appearances. The last time he found the back of the net was in January during a commanding 4-0 win over Dundee United.
Fans and analysts alike have expressed their concerns, with some suggesting that “Maeda needs to be dropped” to regain his form. His teammate Kyogo Furuhashi has also faced challenges this season, struggling for game time, which adds to the pressure on Maeda as they approach a crucial World Cup this summer.
Despite the ongoing struggles, Martin O’Neill continues to place his trust in Maeda, indicating that the connection between the Japanese players from their time at Celtic remains strong. “It would be lovely to see the real version of Maeda one last time,” one fan remarked, highlighting the hope that still lingers among supporters.
As Maeda navigates this difficult phase, his recent appearance in Birmingham serves as a reminder of the highs and lows of a football career. With the World Cup on the horizon, fans are eager to see if he can turn his fortunes around and reclaim his place as a key player for both club and country.
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