Is there a more unique, more enjoyable footballer to watch out there than Celtic's Daizen Maeda?

The Japanese speedster, having come close to departing for Wolfsburg last summer, had gone missing for much of 2025/26, seemingly unable to buy a goal following Martin O'Neill's return to the dugout in January.

And yet, when push came to shove, the 28-year-old delivered, embarking on a breathtaking run of form that will live long in the memory, almost singlehandedly dragging the Glasgow side to the Premiership title.

From that overhead kick in the derby, to his emotional celebration after netting on the final day, Maeda certainly rubberstamped his cult hero status. He's not the only one...

£2m star now ready to officially join Celtic this summer

From hiring managers to sorting out transfers, the Parkhead hierarchy rarely seem to get their act together quickly, so often left scrambling late in the day - just as they were last summer.

The window is now in full swing, and there has been little concrete movement as yet, with more focus perhaps placed on potential outgoings, including young Arne Engels.

There has also been talk of a departure for midfield colleague, Reo Hatate, with a mass exodus seemingly on the cards, not least amid the return of a succession of loan signings to their parent clubs.

One man who could be keen to stick around a little while longer is diminutive sensation, Marcelo Saracchi, with the Daily Record providing the latest on his hopes of securing a permanent stay.

As per the report, the Uruguayan left-back is attracting interest from clubs in MLS and in Turkey, yet he wants to officially sign for the Hoops, following a standout season on loan.

A major bonus too is that it could cost as little as £2m to sign the 28-year-old from Boca Juniors, offering the perfect cover to Kieran Tierney on that left flank.

Why Saracchi could be another Maeda in the making

The goals came flooding in for Maeda in the tail-end of last season, scoring at least once in each of the last five league games, as well as netting a goal apiece in the semi-final and final of the Scottish Cup.

A final total of 17 goals in all competitions came after the highs of his 33-goal heroics a year earlier, that 2024/25 campaign truly seeing him emerge as the standout figure at Parkhead.

Prior to that, much of the praise directed toward the former Yokohama man had been centred around his work out of possession, memorably hailed as a "one-man closing down machine" by Chris Sutton in 2022.

That rampant, relentless, all-action style so instantly endeared Maeda to the Celtic faithful, with the relatively unknown talent swiftly securing cult status in Glasgow.

There is very much a similar feel to Saracchi, it must be said, with the South American gradually emerging as a vital squad asset in O'Neill's ranks, after an initially muted, injury-hit start at the club.

He did actually make just 27 appearances across 2025/26, scoring and assisting just three goals, yet so often he made an impact off the bench, with Tierney still needing to be wrapped in cotton wool.

On the final day, for instance, Saracchi was integral to Celtic's late second-half surge, with it having been his driving run and threaded pass that sparked Maeda's 'winner' against Hearts.

He was subsequently singled out by O'Neill in the post-match dressing room scenes, receiving a warm embrace and lauded as a "special guy" by his beaming manager.

Like with Maeda, it's difficult not to warm to the full-back, such is his evident commitment and work ethic, so dedicated to the cause even while not always a consistent figure in the side last season.

Like with Maeda too, it isn't as if he doesn't boast technical quality to match that out-of-possession relentlessness, having notably picked out the Japan international with a delightful assist away at Rugby Park back in December.

Considering he could well be available for a bargain, knockdown price - just like Maeda and co before him - this feels like something of a no-brainer, particularly with O'Neill now in the door on a permanent basis.

Of course, it didn't exactly prove a fruitful campaign in terms of recruitment in Glasgow, particularly when dipping into the loan market, yet Saracchi must be considered one of the rare success stories of 2025/26.

Hopefully, there's plenty more to come.