Celtic will need to rejuvenate their squad come the summer as they look to build for the future under Brendan Rodgers.
Entrances and exits are always likely during the middle of the calendar year; however, it is unlikely that Rodgers would look to enact a drastic squad rebuild.
Nevertheless, players will move on either to pursue a new challenge or to adhere to the Irishman’s wish to trim his squad in numbers.
The 52-year-old spoke about his ideal squad size late last year, stating: “Ideally we’d have a squad of 25 players, 22 with three goalkeepers. In which case, there will also be an opportunity for young players to come through, as that’s always my first look.”
In the interest of honesty, there is also the threat that Celtic could lose star men if suitable interest in their services comes to fruition.
Danish playmaker Matt O’Riley was subject to advances from Atletico Madrid during the winter market and is likely to be an attractive proposition for many top-level clubs ahead of 2024/25.
Israeli international Liel Abada was also a loan target for West Bromwich Albion, Southampton and Watford before eventually remaining at Parkhead for the remainder of the campaign.
Despite this, his future remains increasingly uncertain at the club due to off-field issues, which led to Rodgers taking the 22-year-old out of the firing line against St Mirren on Sunday due to concerns over his frame of mind.
Gordon Dalziel thinks Liel Abada will leave Celtic this summer
Abada has had a lot of external pressure placed on his shoulders, though it would be fair to say off-field events involving the winger have influenced his recent uncharacteristic performances for the Hoops.
In his time at Celtic, the Petah Tikva-born man has notched 29 goals and 22 assists in 129 appearances; however, he is a shadow of himself on the pitch right now [Transfermarkt].
Speaking to Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, pundit Gordon Dalziel has indicated he would be extremely surprised to see Abada stay at Parkhead beyond the summer.
The 61-year-old explained: “I think the worrying signs were there at Easter Road. He came off the bench and probably had his worst spell on a football pitch for a long time. He was all over the place.
“After the dramatic winner from the penalty kick, (the players and the manager were) celebrating with the supporters, but he goes up the tunnel and doesn’t take much part in it.
“Unless Brendan Rodgers can turn it around, which he could because he is a very good man-manager, but I think just now, looking at the situation, Abada will leave Celtic in the summer.”
Celtic need to find a solution regarding Liel Abada
At this point, it is anyone’s guess whether Abada’s situation at Celtic is salvageable. Only those inside the walls at Parkhead will know the answer to that.
Above all, there must be a solution found one way or another between the club and the player to avoid a scenario where rhetoric surrounding his status remains in the public eye over the coming weeks.
Hopefully, clarity on the topic can be communicated in the near future, though we will need to wait and see what happens.
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