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Ipswich Town Football Club have completed the signing of Japan forward Daizen Maeda from Scottish champions Celtic on a three-year deal.
British media reported the newly promoted Premier League club paid around £10 million ($13 million) for the 28-year-old forward.
Maeda joins Ipswich after a successful four-and-a-half-year spell at Celtic, where he won five Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups.
The Japanese international scored 79 goals in 212 appearances for the Glasgow club and was part of Japan’s squad that reached the World Cup round of 32 before losing to Brazil.
Speaking after completing the move, Maeda said joining the Premier League had fulfilled a long-held ambition.
He said Ipswich made him feel welcome throughout negotiations and pledged to contribute with goals, assists and a relentless work ethic.
“I am very proud to sign for Ipswich Town. I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League and I am very happy I can realise that dream with this club,” he said.
“I have loved all of the conversations with the club, and they have made me feel very welcome.
“My aim will always be to battle hard, score goals, and provide assists for my team – I will always run and give everything that I have,”he added.
Ipswich have also strengthened their squad this transfer window with the arrivals of Issa Diop, Abdul Fatawu, Emersonn and Kayne van Oevelen.
Manager Gary O’Neil described Maeda as a player with outstanding work rate and physical qualities, adding that his proven record in Scotland showed he could both score and create goals.
“He works extremely hard and has impressive physical attributes, while also proving over a number of years playing in Scotland that he has the ability to score goals and create for his team,” O’Neil said.
