Liel Abada turned down some very interesting offers to sign for Celtic

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Celtic battled an unnamed MLS club and Greek giants Olympiacos for the signature of Israeli wonderkid Liel Abada.

That’s according to Abada himself, who spoke about joining the Bhoys to Israeli press. The international winger, still just 19, has got off to a flying start at Celtic, and has quickly become a fan favourite.

Already named in a terrace anthem alongside Kyogo and manager Ange Postecoglou, Abada has become a popular presence at Paradise. With his direct running, crossing and finishing, he’s immediately delivered for his new club.

But he certainly had options. Via the Daily Record, Abada said:

“There were other clubs interested in me like Olympiacos and a club in the USA, but I had no regrets at all about signing for Celtic.

“The fans here are amazing. It’s very exciting for me that they already have a song for me, I need to repay them for the welcome.

“My dad always taught me to work hard for things and I earned the right to move to a great club with a good contract. He’s taught me to keep my feet on the ground.

“There’s no chance of this going to my head because I earn large sums of money now. I always listen to him for his advice and I am not one who will be arrogant or go on a shopping trip because I suddenly signed a contract with Celtic.

“He worked from 5am to the evening to try to help me. When I told him I had signed for Celtic he cried down the phone! He is an amazing person and we have a special relationship. We can talk about anything.”

What a bit of business Israeli international Liel Abada has been for Celtic

Some players take a while to get used to life in a new country. For some players, even the very best we’ve seen, it’s been difficult adapting. Whether that’s to the climate, the tactics, the new stadia – there are myriad obstacles for a new player to overcome.

But Abada has been sensational. Were it not for Kyogo, he’d likely be the signing of the summer in Scottish football.

In just 11 outings in the Green and White, Abada has scored four goals, and set up another four [Transfermarkt].

In his debut, against FC Midtjylland, Abada put Celtic ahead, and set a precedent with a rip-roaring display of attacking ingenuity.

He really has been excellent. Although we knew little of him prior, Celtic have done fantastically well to battle the lure of 48-time Greek champions Olympiacos, or the glamour of the MLS.

Appreciative of the fans, and more than effective so far in a Celtic shirt, Abada has been an excellent addition to the squad.

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