The golden Leeds United and Celtic transfer swap deal that could supercharge survival and title bids

Daniel Farke Faces Premier League Challenge with £150m War Chest as Leeds United Eye Celtic Star to Replace Firpo

Leeds United have officially confirmed the departure of Junior Firpo, who has sealed a return to his former club Real Betis. While the Dominican full-back may have split opinions during his Elland Road spell, his attacking contributions last season cannot be ignored. Firpo produced an impressive 14 goal involvements in the Championship, all while operating from the left-back position. As he exits the squad, attention now turns to who can replicate—or even surpass—his offensive output as the Whites prepare for life back in the Premier League.

Another key figure also leaving is Manor Solomon. The Israeli international is returning to his parent club, Tottenham Hotspur, following a highly productive loan spell that saw him score 10 goals and contribute 12 assists to Leeds’ 95-goal campaign. Replacing this kind of end-product on both flanks will be one of the top items on Daniel Farke’s summer to-do list.

Thankfully, the German boss won’t be going into this battle unarmed. Leeds United’s board has handed Farke a significant transfer war chest of £150 million, giving him the tools to reshape the squad and avoid the fate that has befallen many promoted clubs in recent years—a swift return to the Championship.

One name that has emerged as a potential solution to the Firpo-Solomon-sized void is Daizen Maeda of Celtic. Valued at around £21 million, the Japanese winger enjoyed a standout campaign last season and could bring the explosiveness, work rate, and clinical edge that Leeds need in the top flight. Maeda was recently crowned Celtic’s Player of the Season and delivered more combined goals and assists than both Firpo and Solomon put together—an eye-catching statistic that highlights his potential value.

Leeds are reportedly exploring a smart strategy to land the 28-year-old: a potential swap deal involving Patrick Bamford. The former England international, once among the Premier League’s top scorers, has struggled to regain consistent form in recent seasons. A fresh start in the Scottish Premiership under Brendan Rodgers might be just what Bamford needs to reignite his career. At the same time, the move could help Leeds preserve part of their hefty transfer budget by reducing the net cost of signing Maeda.

Maeda’s track record suggests he is more than capable of making the leap to the Premier League. His numbers in the 2024/25 Champions League were particularly eye-catching—he averaged a goal every four shots, making him more clinical than some of Europe’s elite forwards, including Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Ousmane Dembélé. Maeda also found the net against German giants Bayern Munich, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage as Celtic punched above their weight to reach the knockout phase play-offs.

Moreover, Maeda is no flash in the pan. Over the past three seasons, he has consistently reached double-digit goal tallies for Celtic. His pace, relentless pressing, and sharp finishing make him an ideal fit for the high-tempo game Leeds are expected to play under Farke.

Historically, Celtic players have had mixed fortunes in the Premier League. While Kieran Tierney’s impact at Arsenal has been limited by injuries and Odsonne Edouard’s loan to Leicester hasn’t yet flourished, other exports such as Virgil van Dijk, Victor Wanyama, Fraser Forster, and Kristoffer Ajer have enjoyed successful stints in England. Older fans will also recall Stiliyan Petrov, who became a cult hero at Aston Villa, and Mark Viduka, who scored 72 goals for Leeds after moving from Celtic in 2000. Maeda, if signed, could be the next chapter in that legacy—25 years on from Viduka’s arrival.

For Leeds, the 2025/26 season will be about more than survival—it will be about proving that they belong among England’s elite. With £150 million available and a clear need to replace outgoing stars, the acquisition of Maeda could be a shrewd move both in terms of value and tactical fit. And for Bamford, a switch to Celtic could be just the career reset he needs to rediscover the form that once made him one of the league’s most effective strikers.

Ultimately, this potential double-deal could be a rare win-win: a revitalized Bamford, a marquee signing in Maeda, and a Leeds United team better equipped for the Premier League challenge ahead.