Japan shock Korea: 8th EPL star emerges as Maeda joins Iwatsuki
Japan national team striker Daizen Maeda has completed a move from Scottish side Celtic to English Championship club Ipswich Town, taking the total number of Japanese players in the English top flight to eight. Korean media are stunned by the relentless surge of Japan's talent into Europe.
The reported transfer fee is £10 million, roughly ¥2.2 billion, according to British outlets. The move comes after Japan's 29 June defeat to Brazil, yet the national team's footprint in Europe keeps widening. South Korean newspaper Sports Chosun headlined: "Shock! Another Japanese Premier League player born-now eight in total!" and highlighted Maeda's goal against Sweden at the World Cup.
Following Yamada, the eighth arrival-why Korea is watching
It's no surprise Korean outlets are alarmed. On 25 July, Japan midfielder Hidemasa Morita agreed terms with Hull City, adding to the tally. With Maeda's arrival, the count hits eight, while Korea's sole representative in England remains Yang Min-hyeok at Tottenham.
Korean media call Japan's European push "terrifying." Ipswich Town is said to have valued Maeda's scoring record and European experience, pinning hopes on him as a key attacker to drive their push to stay in the Premier League.
Why Japan's national team is gaining ground in Europe
Maeda's move isn't just personal success. It's recognition of his achievements in a Japan shirt. He scored against Sweden at the World Cup and has built up international experience. Korean outlets stress this point, citing it as the source of Japan's momentum.
Hidemasa Morita's switch to Hull City is equally significant. His midfield nous and leadership earned him a starring role in England's second tier.
What comes next for Japan
Japan's exodus to Europe boosts individual careers and lifts the overall level of Japanese football. Yet challenges loom: widening gaps between leagues and soaring transfer fees.
As Korean media put it, Japan's momentum shows no sign of slowing after the 29 June loss to Brazil. The next chapter for the Samurai Blue is already unfolding.
