Celtic aim to replace star with 'excellent figure' as Hoops have another bite at the cherry for January target
Transfer target impressed on the Champions League stage last season
Celtic look to have identified Daizen Maeda’s replacement before he’s officially become an Ipswich Town player as they ramp up negotiations with Bodo Glimt striker Kasper Hogh.
Maeda has completed his medical at Portman Road, where he nears a deal understood to be in the region of £10m including add ons. Replacing the attacking output and energy of the 28-year old was also going to be an uphill task for the Hoops, however in Hogh, according to Danish media, they’ve found their man.
Since signing for Bodo Glimt in 2024, the 25-year old striker has been the embodiment of their giant-killing reputation. The Norwegian side have went from a Eliteserien minnows to European over-achievers over the past few years, becoming serial knockout stage qualifiers in recent campaigns.
Hogh has been a huge part of their journey, scoring against the likes of Manchester City and Atletico Madrid last season in the Champions League and finishing joint-top scorer in the Europa League the year before. Celtic expressed an interest in the Dane during the January window but talks fell through as Bodo wanted to keep him for the Champions League.
Celtic interest in January target re-emerges as Maeda’s replacement identified
According to Campos: “Several European clubs are looking at Bodø/Glimt's Kasper Høgh, who has made an excellent figure in the Norwegian top club. Celtic are making a serious attempt to buy the striker. It is consistent with Campo's information that Celtic is trying to get a deal agreed with the parties, now that the Scottish traditional club is about to sell Daizen Maeda to Ipswich.”
Hogh has scored 54 goals in his 103 Bodo appearances since signing from Norwegian rivals Stabaek. Before that he enjoyed spells in Denmark with Randers, Hobro and AOB. The striker has received plaudits for his physicality, aerial ability and pace. Celtic’s solitary signing in the summer window is another striker Camilo Duran, who finalised his £6m deal from Qarabag last month. The Colombian also scored goals in the Champions League last season, as a clear pattern emerges regarding the pedigree Celtic are seeking for their front line.
How do you solve a problem like Maeda?
According to Sky Sports: “Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has completed a medical ahead of his £10m move to Ipswich Town. The Japan international is finalising the paperwork on his contract and an announcement is expected in the next 24 hours.”
Maeda scored nine goals in Celtic’s last seven games of last season, playing an instrumental role in them securing the domestic double. The unique, intense pressing ability of the Japanese Duracell Bunny is something nigh on impossible to replace, however if Celtic are successful in their pursuit of Hogh, the Dane has proved he’s capable of posting some impressive numbers in front of goal.