Reported Celtic target Hatem Abd Elhamed is apparently closing in on a decision on his future this week.
The Hapoel Be’er Sheva centre-back was left out of his side’s Europa League squad at his own request. There has been no follow-up from Celtic regarding an offer as it stands.
But, despite that, the Daily Record believes that Elhamed’s future is to be decided this week.
Elhamed is naturally a centre-back for Hapoel. Therefore, if Celtic were to bring him in, it would finally end our search for a cover in the position this summer. With Christopher Jullien in, the Hoops could still do with one more for further competition at the back.
The Scottish Sun believes that Celtic could land their man for £1.6million. Therefore, it wouldn’t be too costly for the Champions if they decided to go down that route.
Elhamed, intriguingly, can also play at right-back despite his natural position being in the centre. It’s unlikely Celtic would go for an unnatural right-back to sort out our issues in that position, but his flexibility is promising.
Hatem Abd Elhamed an unknown quantity for most
Not many of us will know a lot about Hatem Abd Elhamed. He didn’t play for Hapoel Be’er Sheva when we met them in the Champions League back in 2016. He signed in 2017, with his contract not due to run out in 2022 (Transfermarkt).
His agent will also be a recognisable name for many Celtic fans. Dudu Dahan played a huge role in Celtic securing the likes of Nir Bitton and Beram Kayal to Parkhead in the past. The club has a good relationship with the Israeli agent, and Elhamed being one of his clients isn’t a surprise (Transfermarkt).
He’s only had one cap for the Israeli senior side. A move to Parkhead, however, would certainly help him realise his international ambitions.
A deal still looks some way away, of course. Celtic will be working on getting things done in the background on their transfer targets. But in terms of media reports, there’s nothing as of yet that states we’ve even launched an official offer.
But a centre-back and two right-backs must now be on the radar before the transfer window closes in August. In truth, Celtic could do with them in before the third qualifying round of the Champions League at the latest.
Will Elhamed be one of them? Who’s to say he won’t.
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