Nir Bitton could follow Hatem Elhamed by making a move from Celtic back to Israel with Hapoel Be’er Sheva joining Maccabi Tel Aviv in registering an interest in the 29 year old utility internationalists. Bitton was signed by Neil Lennon, during the Irishman’s first spell as Celtic manager and has survived changes at the top playing for Ronny Deila, Brendan Rodgers (who converted him from a midfielder to a makeshift central defender) again under Lennon and finally playing under the interim manager John Kennedy.
With a new manager coming in imminently Bitton may decide that the time is right to return home to Israel, although he may wait to hear if he is to be part of the Celtic rebuild project about to get underway. Bitton has two years of his contract at Celtic remaining and is likely to bring in a transfer fee of around £1m if he leaves Celtic this summer.
The Israeli has made 21 appearances for Celtic this season but is currently behind Kris Ajer and young academy player Stephen Welsh under John Kennedy as Celtic’s most unsuccessful season since he arrived in 2013 is drawing to a close.
Unlike fellow Isreali International defender Hatem Elhamed, Bitton and his family settled into life in Glasgow well enough and the player has spoken previously about being happy to remain at Celtic. But if he is not going to be part of the new manager’s plans then the time could be right to head home to Israel.
If Eddie Howe does want to retain Bitton then he’s a useful utility player to have around.
