SNS GroupCeltic have signed Daizen Maeda on a permanent deal after a successful five-month loan spell in Scotland.
The Japan forward joined the Hoops on a loan with obligation to buy deal in January after winning the J-League golden boot with Yokohama F. Marinos last season.
The move meant he was reunited with Ange Postecoglou, who he had already worked with in Yokohama, and international team-mates Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate.
The 24-year-old has since scored eight goals in 22 appearances, including one four minutes into his debut, and helped return the Premiership trophy to Celtic Park.
Maeda quickly became fan-favourite amongst the Parkhead support and earned his place as a main-stay in starting eleven thanks to his tireless running and work rate across the front three.
His former club confirmed on Monday that, as expected, the loan move has been made permanent and he has signed with the Scottish champions until 2026.
Maeda, who has been named in the Japan squad for upcoming World Cup warm-up games, will be a guest of honour at Yokohama for their game against Kyoto Sanga on Wednesday.
The forward said: “Even after coming to Scotland, the support from everyone was encouraging and we were able to deliver good news to everyone in the form of winning the league.
“I will continue to challenge myself.”
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