Celtic star, Liel Abada has reputedly turned down the chance to sign a contract extension with the Glasgow giants and the club could be looking to cash in on the winger come the summer transfer window. Abada has been a wonderful signing for the Hoops since Ange Postecoglou signed the Israeli from Maccabi Petah Tikva for £3.5 million in 2021.
The little forward has turned out to be worth his weight in goals as the saying goes, with his assists also proving to be quite handy too. With big goals in big games throughout his two seasons at Parkhead, the Israeli international has certainly developed into a player the Hoops can rely on, either in the starting line-up or on the bench. His goals against our fierce rivals theRangers being particular highlights of his time in Scottish football.
With the rumours that he has rejected a new deal with Ange Postecoglou’s side, speculation is mounting that he could be off come the close season and that there is interest down south for the attacker. At just 21-years-old, Abada has plenty of room for further development and his numbers suggest he could one day become an elite player in a top five league in Europe.
Southampton are rumoured to be looking at the diminutive wideman and will possibly look to further their interest with a bid come the summertime. However, that would be a step down all things considered, especially if the St Mary’s club get relegated as looks pretty likely at present. Stuart Armstrong and Mohamed Elyonoussi are currently on the books at the Saints and both men might still regret leaving Celtic.
On Liel Abada though, the CIES Football Observatory has produced a list of players values under 23 in European football and Liel has made the list along with midfielder, Matt O’Riley. Matt has been inconsistent this year compared to when he first signed, but is still valued at a respectable £13 million. Abada though, is valued at a whopping £17 million, which has him at 36th in the entire rankings.
That number is what Celtic should be looking for if we decide to cash in, and not the reported £7-10 million Football Insider posted that the heirarchy would accept if he is to seek greener pastures.
Paul Gillespie
Take the dough and let him go.
Not a man for the trenches.
Celtic Abu.
Celtic won’t realise a fee of £17 million for a bench player. Incredible stats and numbers but third choice at best under Ange.