This summer transfer window promises to be a busy one for Celtic. But one unexpected U-turn might have changed the club's plans completely for the next few months.

Coming into the summer transfer window, one of the areas where Celtic clearly needed to improve was striker. We saw what an in-form one can do towards the end of the campaign.

Celtic had struggled in front of goal throughout the season. They ended the league with 39 fewer goals than the previous campaign after all.

So, the expectation was for Celtic to make a standout addition up top, especially with Daizen Maeda widely expected to leave this summer.

But that situation has undergone an unexpected change over the last day. Now, it looks like Maeda might no longer be a nailed-on candidate to leave this summer.

No, this is not any speculation. This is based on comments the player has made himself while speaking to the media. According to the Daily Record, the Japanese international said:

"That, if you do your best, the supporters will feel it, and they'll want to root for you.

"So I want to continue doing my best in Scotland."

Well, that does not sound like someone who is pushing to leave this summer. On the contrary, he speaks about continuing to do his best in Scotland. So, has Maeda decided to stay at Celtic?

We cannot say anything for sure. It might be a case of lost in translation, you never know. But that is certainly a positive statement, if you want to see the player continue playing in Celtic colours.

Maeda found the form of his life in the final few weeks of the 25/26 season. He was instrumental in ensuring that the Hoops finished the campaign with a double.

READ MORE: 'Pole Position' - Celtic Transfer Update

That included bicycle kicks, chips over the goalkeeper with his first touch, instinctive late winners and everything in between. Maeda was Henrik Larsson-esque for those few weeks.

That run of form might very well have solidified his legacy as a Celtic player. And who knows, potentially the love that was showered upon him by the supporters was enough to convince Maeda that Parkhead was the place to be.

If Maeda does remain at Celtic Park, then that drastically reduces the club's need to go out and sign a top striker.

Ideally, you would want to still see them strengthen their ranks up top. As we already mentioned, the Hoops did score 39 fewer league goals in the 25/26 campaign.

That being said, it is hard to imagine that they would be able to sign someone who would come in and immediately start ahead of Maeda, if he can carry on performing as he did towards the end of the season.

Roundtablesports is Free to join! You can post your own thoughts, comment on articles, and start conversations with our Roundtable Writers. Scroll up to the top of the page and click 'Join'.

Download the FREE Roundtable APP, and get even easier access to your favourite teams and news!