Daizen Maeda's brutal Celtic putdown will be music to the ears of Rangers fans

Daizen Maeda has been a thorn in Rangers' side during his time at rivals Celtic.

The Japanese international proved crucial in the most recent 3-1 Old Firm defeat, as the Gers lost 3-1 back in May at Celtic Park.

It was the gut-punch to Rangers' title aspirations with that loss handing their rivals the chance to win the league, and Martin O'Neill's side took it with both hands.

Maeda proved crucial in that moment, scoring the goal that put Celtic in the lead against Hearts on the final day of the season. Now, Maeda's time in Scotland could be nearing its end.

The forward has spoken out about his future, hinting towards that conclusion.

And the knock-on effects could very well be felt on both sides of the Old Firm divide.

Rangers have every reason to keep a close eye on Daizen Maeda's future

Maeda's future should pique Rangers' interest this summer, as he could be on his way out of Glasgow.

As shared by Sky Sports News, Maeda has issued an update on his future, hinting it could be somewhere other than Celtic.

He said after Japan's World Cup defeat to Brazi in a brutal admission over his next career move: "I personally feel that I need to keep improving and take another step forward. It made me realize that I can't stay at my current level and that I need to become a better player."

Unfortunately for Rangers, Maeda has already achieved everything at Celtic but that means his words may signal good news for the Ibrox side now.

With him looking to go to the next level, that will likely mean needing a new challenge and one out of the Scottish Premiership.

For Rangers fans, that will ultimately be music to their ears, as Maeda has often terrorised the Bears' backline throughout the years.

So, a close eye will certainly be kept on this evolving situation as it could shift the tides in Glasgow.

A Daizen Maeda exit would reshape the Old Firm balance

Maeda has faced Rangers 26 times throughout the years since arriving in the winter of 2022.

The Old Firm is seemingly his favourite fixture, as his 12 goal contributions (seven goals and five assists) against Rangers are the joint highest total against any opponent as per Transfermarkt.

He has come out as the winner on most of those occasions. His record across all competitions stands at 15 wins, six draws and five losses.

Handing Rangers a win rate of just 19.2 per cent when facing the Asian star.

If he is to leave, that would certainly make Celtic a weaker side and could swing the pendulum back into Rangers' favour.

Rangers supporters would undoubtedly be issuing a sigh of relief as they look to begin clawing back the bragging rights.