Ipswich Town transfer news: Japan and Celtic hero ‘agrees’ Premier League move

Newly-promoted Ipswich Town have picked up pace in the summer transfer market as they prepare for their Premier League return after finishing second in the Championship.

Gary O’Neil’s new-look side have already confirmed the signings of Issa Diop, Emersonn, Kayne van Oevelen and Abdul Fatawu this window.

The Tractor Boys have a 29-man squad, and a 30th addition is in the works, as we understand.

Ipswich Town transfer news: Deal ‘agreed in principle’ for Daizen Maeda

Daizen Maeda, who started three of Japan’s four matches at the World Cup, scoring one goal, is set to join Ipswich Town from Celtic, according to Sky Sports News.

Ipswich have launched a bid to sign Maeda. The details of the offer, apart from the financials, are currently unknown.

The reports indicate that Ipswich have decided to onboard the Japanese attacker for £10m, which includes £2m in add-ons.

With a contract expiring in June 2027, Celtic have long-thought of cashing in on the 28-year-old rather than seeing him leave for free next summer.

FW verdict: Celtic's loss is steal deal for Tractor Boys

If successful, Maeda will become Ipswich’s third offensive signing of the summer, as O’Neil galvanizes his troops in their pre-season training camp.

The Osaka-born winger has spent the majority of his senior career in the Scottish Premiership – a move to the Premier League would be the next natural step.

Maeda has no shortage of interest, but there is real action from Portman Road for his services ahead of their new top-tier season. Ipswich are soon expected to announce Maeda’s medical.

The versatile forward will leave Celtic with 212 appearances and 79 goals to his name. He won five Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups in the last four years.

Ipswich might have secured their best piece of summer business at only £10m, signing a forward who scored nine times in his final seven appearances for the Old Firm club on their way to a domestic double.