Transfer and FPL information checked: 1 August 2026
Ipswich Town have signed Japan international Daizen Maeda from Celtic on a contract running until summer 2029.
Maeda arrives with 79 goals in 212 Celtic appearances and a reputation for relentless pressing, direct running and scoring from both central and wide positions.
The major FPL attraction is his classification. He is currently listed as a £5.5m midfielder, despite Ipswich describing him as a forward.
Maeda's FPL profile
| Category | Current information |
|---|---|
| Club | Ipswich Town |
| FPL position | Midfielder |
| FPL price | £5.5m |
| Previous club | Celtic |
| Ipswich contract | Until summer 2029 |
| Celtic record | 79 goals in 212 appearances |
| Main positions | Left wing, central forward and second striker |
| Main FPL attraction | Advanced role with midfielder scoring |
| Main risk | New league, World Cup return and attacking competition |
Use the OneFPL Player Lab to confirm his latest ownership and official status.
Why the midfielder classification matters
A midfielder receives five points for a goal and one point for a clean sheet after 60 minutes. A forward receives four points for a goal and no clean-sheet point.
When Maeda plays centrally or as a narrow left attacker, the classification can produce a genuine out-of-position advantage.
What type of player is Maeda?
Maeda's strongest traits are:
- Sprinting behind the defence
- Pressing defenders and goalkeepers
- Attacking crosses
- Arriving centrally from the left
- Finishing quickly
- Creating turnovers high up the pitch
- Repeating runs without the ball
Those qualities may suit a promoted team that attacks through transitions rather than long periods of possession.
His Celtic record
Maeda scored 79 goals in 212 Celtic appearances. His standout individual campaign came in 2024/25, when he scored 33 goals across competitions.
That record is encouraging but must be adjusted for stronger Premier League opposition and Ipswich creating fewer chances than Celtic did domestically.
The real FPL question is whether his movement and minutes can create enough opportunities at £5.5m.
Ipswich's opening fixtures
| Gameweek | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunderland | Home |
| 2 | Manchester United | Away |
| 3 | Liverpool | Home |
| 4 | Crystal Palace | Away |
| 5 | Everton | Away |
| 6 | Fulham | Home |
Sunderland at home is a reasonable opening fixture. Manchester United away and Liverpool at home are difficult, so Maeda works better with a playable substitute.
Review the complete run through OneFPL Fixtures.
Where could Maeda play?
Central striker
This is the best FPL role. Maeda would lead the press and attack space behind defenders.
Competition includes Emersonn, Chuba Akpom, George Hirst and other forward options.
Left winger
Maeda can start from the left and move inside. This retains goal threat but can reduce central touches during slower attacks.
Second striker
Gary O'Neil could use him close to a more physical number nine, combining his pressing with another forward's hold-up play.
Maeda versus Ipswich attackers
| Player | Main FPL strength | Main concern |
|---|---|---|
| Maeda | £5.5m midfielder with central-goal potential | Role and adaptation |
| Jack Clarke | Proven Championship goals | New competition |
| Abdul Fatawu | Creativity and dribbling | End product |
| Jaden Philogene | Ball carrying and top-flight experience | Starting security |
| Emersonn | Physical central-forward profile | New league |
| Chuba Akpom | Experience and penalty-area movement | Competition |
Read the full Ipswich attacker comparison.
Maeda versus promoted forwards
| Player | FPL position | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Maeda | Midfielder | Extra point per goal and clean-sheet point |
| Haji Wright | Forward | Clear central goal threat |
| Oli McBurnie | Forward | Championship scoring and possible penalties |
Maeda can fit more naturally into a 3-5-2 because he occupies midfield rather than a forward slot.
Read Best FPL Players From the Championship for players who earned promotion last season.
World Cup workload
Maeda represented Japan at the 2026 World Cup and scored against Sweden. His late summer schedule means Ipswich must manage his return.
Before selecting him, confirm:
- His first full training date
- Minutes in the final friendlies
- Whether he starts with the likely first team
- Whether he plays centrally or wide
- Gary O'Neil's Gameweek 1 comments
Penalties and set pieces
Maeda was not signed primarily as a set-piece specialist. His FPL value should be based on open-play goal threat unless Ipswich provide clear evidence that he has penalties or another major duty.
Best use in an FPL squad
Maeda fits best as:
- A fourth or fifth midfielder
- A Gameweek 1 starter against Sunderland
- A rotating midfielder with a reliable substitute
- A promoted-player differential
- A Bench Boost candidate once minutes are secure
OneFPL verdict
Current status: One of the best promoted-player watchlist options.
Maeda's £5.5m midfielder classification becomes highly attractive when he plays through the middle.
He can become the best promoted attacking pick if the final friendlies confirm a central role, a Gameweek 1 start and at least 65 to 75 expected minutes.
Build a squad with and without him in the OneFPL Planner.
FAQ
How much does Daizen Maeda cost in FPL?
£5.5m at the time of this update.
Is Maeda a midfielder or forward in FPL?
He is currently listed as a midfielder.
Who did Maeda join Ipswich from?
Celtic.
Is Maeda expected to start?
He has a strong chance of becoming important, but the final pre-season lineups must confirm his role.
Is Sunderland at home a good Gameweek 1 fixture?
It is reasonable, but neither promoted team should automatically be treated as an easy opponent.
Sources
OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
OneFPL analysis. OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
Was this useful?