Reported Celtic target was once described as ‘the future’ of football in his country

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As Celtic prepare to head into the summer window, we know Ange Postecoglou is in the market for another midfielder.

The 56-year old is keen to add to that area of his squad after the departure of long-term serving duo Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic.

One midfield player who Celtic have reportedly been showing interest in is Maccabi Haifa and Israeli internationalist Mohammed Abu Fani.

The 24-year old, who is teammates at international level with Celtic winger Liel Abada, looks set for an exit from his current club this summer.

Teams across Europe, such as Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt and Standard Liege, are also reportedly keen on the midfielder and are expected to watch him closely during this international break, along with Celtic.

Having already picked up 13 caps, including making his debut against Scotland, the Maccabi Haifa man is highly rated by many in his country.

That includes former Israel manager Eli Guttman.

The 64-year old managed the Israel international side between 2011-2015 and is well aware of the talents coming through with his nation over the next few years.

Speaking in an interview with the Glasgow Evening Times in 2021 before Scotland’s World Cup qualifier against Israel, Guttman provided a glowing review of the young midfielder, describing Abu Fani as ‘the future of Israeli football’.

“He is a talented player. He is a 50-50 player; he’s very technical and has a very good shot.

“He’s young, and he is the future of Israeli football. I would not be surprised if we see him start against Scotland, that’s for sure. He played some amazing games in the Europa League (for Maccabi earlier in the season).”

Could Abu Fani be the ideal Nir Bitton replacement at Celtic?

It is promising to hear such a positive review of the midfielder as a player and also goes to show why he is attracting interest from sides across Europe.

Given the club’s links to several Israeli internationalists over the last few years, Abu Fani will certainly be familiar with Celtic.

As he gets set for a move to another European club this summer, it could be the perfect opening to join the Hoops after fellow countryman Nir Bitton’s exit.

The midfielder has experience of winning trophies in his homeland and playing on the European stage with his current club Maccabi Haifa.

So, he looks to have the makings of a Celtic player on paper.

If recent reports are to be believed, Postecoglou and his scouts will be keeping a close eye on the Israeli internationalist during this month’s fixtures, which could help him gain a move to Glasgow.

In other news, Celtic hero Giorgos Giakoumakis impresses Greek media on international duty.