David Moyes poised to target Scotland again as Everton eye serial winner – report

Everton are stepping up their summer recruitment plans, with Celtic forward Daizen Maeda emerging as one of the club’s primary attacking targets. After confirming the arrival of Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, the Toffees remain active in the transfer market as manager David Moyes looks to reshape his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Although Hackney has been Everton’s only completed signing so far, the club’s recruitment work is far from over. Several players have been linked with moves to Merseyside as Moyes seeks to strengthen key areas, particularly in attack. Reports continue to suggest that Tyrique George could make a permanent switch, but the club is also pursuing additional options capable of making an immediate impact.

Among those under serious consideration is Maeda, whose impressive performances for Celtic have attracted growing attention from clubs across the Premier League.

Everton Looking for Greater Firepower

Strengthening the attacking department has become one of Everton’s biggest priorities this summer. Moyes wants to add players capable of improving the team’s creativity, movement, and goal threat while offering tactical flexibility across multiple positions.

Maeda fits that profile perfectly. Comfortable playing as a centre-forward or on either flank, the Japan international’s versatility is viewed as one of his biggest strengths. His relentless work rate, pace, and pressing ability have made him one of Celtic’s most valuable performers, qualities that align closely with the demands Moyes places on his attacking players.

According to reports from South Korean media outlet Chosun, Everton have maintained a strong interest in Maeda and are now considering a formal move. The Scottish champions are believed to value the forward between £15 million and £20 million, meaning any deal would require a significant investment from the Merseyside club.

Premier League Clubs Join the Race

Everton are not alone in their pursuit of the Japanese international. Several Premier League clubs have monitored Maeda throughout the past season, highlighting just how highly regarded he has become.

Brentford are reported to have tracked the attacker consistently over recent months, while Nottingham Forest and Fulham have also been credited with an interest.

Despite the competition, Everton may believe they possess an important advantage. Moyes has spent decades working in British football and has maintained strong connections within Scottish football throughout his managerial career. Those relationships, combined with his deep understanding of the Scottish Premiership, could prove useful if negotiations with Celtic progress.

Maeda’s Outstanding Celtic Record

Maeda has developed into one of Celtic’s most influential players since arriving in Glasgow. During the previous campaign, he made 32 league appearances, starting every match while accumulating nearly 3,000 minutes of football.

Across those appearances, he scored 14 goals, underlining his importance in Celtic’s attack despite not registering an assist. Beyond the numbers, his constant pressing, defensive commitment, and willingness to cover every blade of grass have earned widespread praise from supporters and coaches alike.

His consistency has helped establish him as one of the Scottish Premiership’s standout performers, making him an attractive option for clubs seeking an experienced attacker capable of adapting to different tactical systems.

Moyes’ Long History of Recruiting from Scotland

A move for Maeda would continue a pattern that has followed David Moyes throughout his managerial career. Since entering management in 1998, the Scottish coach has regularly turned to the Scottish game when searching for talented players.

One of his earliest signings came in 2001 when he brought Derek Collins from Hibernian to Preston North End. A year later, Paul Reid joined from Rangers.

Following his move to Everton, Moyes continued looking north of the border for reinforcements. He signed James McFadden, whose performances made him a fan favourite at Goodison Park. Later additions included Nikica Jelavić, another player who arrived from Rangers and enjoyed memorable moments in an Everton shirt.

In 2012, Matty Kennedy completed a move from Kilmarnock, marking the last player Moyes personally recruited directly from Scotland. More recently, defender Nathan Patterson also made the switch from Rangers to Everton, although that transfer occurred under different management.

Could Maeda Be the Ideal Fit?

From Everton’s perspective, Maeda appears to tick many of the boxes Moyes is searching for this summer. His versatility would provide valuable tactical options, allowing him to play centrally or out wide depending on the opposition and match situation.

Equally important is his winning mentality. During his time at Celtic, Maeda has collected an impressive haul of domestic trophies, potentially leaving the club with 10 major honours if he departs this summer. That experience of competing for titles and maintaining high standards every season could bring valuable leadership to an Everton squad eager to establish itself at the upper end of the Premier League.

However, convincing Celtic to sell one of their key attacking players will not be straightforward. The Scottish champions regard Maeda as an important part of their squad, while supporters would undoubtedly be disappointed to lose one of the team’s hardest-working performers.

Even so, Everton’s interest signals the club’s determination to strengthen significantly before the new season. If Moyes succeeds in bringing Maeda to Merseyside, it would represent another example of his long-standing belief that Scotland remains a productive market for identifying players capable of succeeding in English football.