Arne Engels in powerful Celtic response to direct question about the future of dazzling Daizen Maeda

Daily Record

20-07-2025

The Hoops have kicked off contract extension talks with the speed merchant who is being tracked by Brentford
Arne Engels is hoping Celtic can keep Daizen Maeda under lock and key until the transfer window slams shut.
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The Hoops have kicked off contract extension talks with the speed merchant who is being tracked by Brentford and several other clubs in England and across the continent. Maeda was at his blistering best in Saturday's 4-0 demolition job on EPL Newcastle United as Brendan Rodgers' men went up the pre-season gears.
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The Parkhead boss snapped up rapid hitman Shin Yamada at the weekend but is looking to add more firepower in the coming weeks. Engels admitted keeping hold of player-of-the-year Maeda would be huge.
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When asked if Celtic can lock him up until September 1, the Belgian said: Hopefully! He's an amazing player and also really good for us and in the dressing room too.
"He's a lovely guy, so hopefully he will stay. We never know what is going on.
'He would be fantastic for us next year and like Saturday also. He's just an amazing person that is really helping us in every kind of aspect of the game.'
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Celts are chasing two new wide men and a striker for starters, while winger Marco Tilio is set for a loan more to Rapid Vienna - ahead of a £1.3m permanent switch next summer.
Engels insisted the Hoops are already in strong shape – even before more recruits check in.
He said: "We have a really good squad. And there will be always rumours about players coming in, going. It's up to us to keep this all inside and to work on the players that are here. You see that on Saturday also, that we have a lot of quality already.
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"We'll see what's going in and going out, we never know, but the squad that is now here is fantastic. All the boys are doing really well.
"It's always nice to get a lot of quality players in and it's up to us then to show ourselves to the manager and to everybody else in the stadium and outside.
"But it's always going to be competition everywhere where you go, so it's then just keeping doing the right things that you always do good. There will be always competition.'
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Engels enjoyed an impressive first season at Celtic despite arriving with a hefty £11m price tag. The Belgian cap was linked with a quick-fire move toSerie A Atalanta but the midfield powerhouse has shrugged off departure speculation and insisted his sights are set on a blockbuster second term.
Engels said: "I'm trying to do my best here and to get ready for the new season. There will always be rumours and it's up to me to just show on the field what I'm up to.
"I'm here at Celtic and I really want to do great for this club and to reach a lot of things, so I'm not really thinking about something else.'
Celtic will head to Italy in the ext 48 hours to compete in the Como Cup, where they'll square up with Ajax on Thursday and then the winner of Como's clash with Al-Ahili at the weekend.
Club chiefs will be working in the background at brining in new faces and while the manager has been pleased with the progress, he insisted the Hoops are just getting warmed up.
Rodgers said: 'It's been building for us, but there is more to come. There's more to come in as well. But you can see the progression with this group at the moment. Preparation will be about continuing our fitness levels and tactical ideas. We want to get some more players to come in and support the guys here so we will be ready for a long, and hopefully exciting, season.'