Celtic have sealed a club‑record transfer, agreeing to pay an initial £11 million plus various performance‑related add‑ons to bring Norwegian striker Kasper Hogh from Bodø/Glimt. At the same time, Japanese forward Daizen Maeda has completed a £10 million switch to English side Ipswich Town.
Both moves were confirmed after the players passed their respective medical examinations and are set to sign long‑term contracts. The Danish‑born Hogh, who has also represented his country at senior level, successfully completed his medical and is expected to finalize a four‑year agreement with the Glasgow club within the next few days. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill spoke enthusiastically after the team’s 2‑2 draw with AC Milan, noting that the new signing fits the profile of a player who can deliver goals on the biggest stages, including the Champions League. “Without going into too much detail, that’s the sort of quality we’re after – a striker who has proven he can find the net against Europe’s elite,” O’Neill said.
He added that fans will be excited to see a forward of Hogh’s stature, especially after a season in which Celtic struggled to convert chances. O’Neill also reflected on the club’s recent attacking woes, recalling how Maeda’s late‑season surge – nine goals in the final seven games – helped Celtic secure a domestic double.
“For most of the campaign we were short of firepower. Maeda arrived at a crucial moment and lifted the team, but we still needed a recognized striker to lead the line consistently,” O’Neill explained. The manager believes that Hogh will fill that void and bring a new dimension to Celtic’s attack.
Hogh has been Celtic’s top target for the centre‑forward role all summer. The club secured an option to extend his contract by an additional year, giving them flexibility should the partnership prove successful.
Celtic initially expressed interest in the 23‑year‑old during the January window, but Bodø/Glimt opted to keep him for their Champions League run, during which he scored in a memorable 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, establishing himself as one of Scandinavia’s most prolific young marksmen. Meanwhile, Daizen Maeda’s departure marks the end of a notable chapter at Celtic.
The Japanese international joined the club in 2022 under then‑manager Ange Postecoglou and quickly became a fan favourite, 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 closing weeks, netting nine times in the final seven fixtures and playing a key role in Celtic’s league‑and‑cup triumph.
Maeda’s ambition to play in England’s top flight was well‑known. After the season concluded, he reiterated his desire to test himself in the Premier League. O’Neill acknowledged the loss, saying, “Naturally I will miss him. He was in the final year of his contract and, despite a substantial offer from us sixteen months ago, he chose to pursue a move to the Premier League or the Bundesliga.” The manager added that Maeda earned the move, praising his contributions and wishing him success at Ipswich.
The Japanese forward has now signed a three‑year contract with the newly promoted Ipswich Town, often referred to as the “Tractor Boys.” His arrival follows a strong showing for Japan at the summer World Cup, where he scored and helped the team reach the round of 32 before being eliminated by Brazil. Ipswich will be eager to integrate Maeda’s experience and goal‑scoring instincts as they aim to establish themselves in the Premier League. Looking ahead, the upcoming season’s calendar includes several key dates: the Premier League campaign kicks off on August 22, the FA Cup third round is scheduled for January 9, the Carabao Cup final will be contested on March 21, and the league season will conclude on May 30.
Sky Sports, the primary broadcaster for domestic football in the UK and Ireland, has announced that it will air over 1,500 live matches across the Premier League, Women’s Super League, English Football League and Scottish Premiership next season. The network will feature at least 215 live Premier League games in the 2026/27 campaign, with a first‑pick system that ensures top‑flight fixtures are shown each weekend, often with multiple matches at the traditional 2 pm Sunday slot. For Sky Sports subscribers, all live football will be accessible via the Sky Sports app, allowing fans to stream matches on a variety of devices.
Non‑subscribers can upgrade their existing Sky package or explore the latest promotional offers. Additionally, the NOW TV service provides flexible, contract‑free options with daily or monthly passes, catering to viewers who prefer short‑term commitments.
Beyond the on‑field action, Sky Sports also promotes interactive experiences such as the Super 6 competition, where participants can enter for free for a chance to win a share of a £250,000 prize pool. This engagement aims to deepen fan involvement throughout the season.
In summary, Celtic’s acquisition of Kasper Hogh represents a significant investment aimed at revitalising their attack, while Daizen Maeda’s move to Ipswich Town fulfills a long‑standing ambition to compete in the Premier League. Both transfers underscore the dynamic nature of the football transfer market and set the stage for an exciting upcoming season across the UK’s top divisions.