Celtic have finalized a historic transfer, agreeing to pay a club‑record £11 million plus potential add‑ons to bring Norwegian striker Kasper Hogh from Bodø/Glimt. At the same time, Japanese forward Daizen Maeda has completed a £10 million move to English side Ipswich Town. Both deals were confirmed after medicals were passed and contracts were signed, marking significant squad changes for both clubs.
Hogh, a Denmark international, has already undergone his medical examination and is set to sign a four‑year contract with the Glasgow giants. Manager Martin O'Neill praised the quality of the new signing after Celtic’s recent 2‑2 draw with AC Milan, noting, "Without going too deeply into it, that's the calibre of player that we'd be looking for, who has scored goals in the Champions League." O'Neill added that the arrival of a player of Hogh’s stature should excite the Celtic faithful and provide a much‑needed boost to a side that struggled to find the net for much of the previous season. The Danish forward has been Celtic’s top target for the summer window.
The club also secured an option to extend his contract by an additional year, giving them flexibility if he continues to perform at a high level. Celtic first inquired about Hogh during the January transfer period, but Bodø/Glimt kept him for their Champions League campaign, where he famously scored in a landmark victory over Atlético Madrid that helped the Norwegian side reach the last‑16.
Over his tenure at Bodø/Glimt, Hogh amassed 53 goals in 102 appearances, demonstrating a consistent scoring record that attracted interest from several European clubs. Meanwhile, Daizen Maeda’s departure from Celtic marks the end of a productive spell for the Japanese international. Maeda joined Celtic in 2022 under manager Ange Postecoglou and quickly became a key figure, contributing 79 goals, five Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups.
Although his form dipped for much of the 2023‑24 season, he rediscovered his scoring touch in the final weeks, netting nine goals in the last seven matches and helping Celtic secure a domestic double. Maeda’s ambition to play in England’s top flight was well‑known, and after the season concluded he reiterated his desire to test himself in the Premier League. O'Neill commented on the loss, saying, "Naturally, I will miss him.
He was in the final year of his contract, and despite a substantial offer from us, he chose to pursue opportunities in England or Germany. He deserves the move because he’s been fantastic for the club, and Ipswich will get a player they’ll quickly grow to love." The Japanese forward has now signed a three‑year contract with the newly promoted Ipswich Town, often referred to as the "Tractor Boys".
Maeda arrived at Portman Road after a standout performance for Japan at the summer World Cup, where the Samurai Blue reached the round of 32 before being eliminated by Brazil. His experience on the international stage and proven goal‑scoring ability are expected to bolster Ipswich’s attack as they look to establish themselves in the Premier League.
Both transfers come as Celtic prepares for the upcoming season, which includes a packed schedule of domestic and European fixtures. Key dates on the calendar include the Premier League kickoff on August 22, the FA Cup third round on January 9, the Carabao Cup final on March 21, and the conclusion of the league campaign on May 30. Celtic will also continue to feature prominently on Sky Sports, which will broadcast over 1,500 live matches across the Premier League, Women’s Super League, EFL and Scottish Premiership next season, including a minimum of 215 live Premier League games in 2026/27. Sky Sports remains the primary broadcaster for club football in the UK and Ireland, offering subscribers the ability to watch matches via the Sky Sports app.
For those without a subscription, the network promotes upgrade options and alternative streaming services such as NOW TV, which provides flexible day‑ or month‑long passes without long‑term contracts. In summary, Celtic’s acquisition of Kasper Hogh represents a significant investment aimed at revitalising their attacking options, while the exit of Daizen Maeda to Ipswich Town fulfills the Japanese forward’s long‑standing ambition to compete in England’s top tier.
Both clubs will look to integrate their new signings quickly, hoping the moves will translate into on‑field success and satisfy their supporters’ expectations for the forthcoming season.