Celtic appear to be closing in on Israeli winger Liel Abada, and it simply must be the first of several in the door this week.
The Scottish Sun reported earlier today that the Hoops are in advanced talks and could confirm the deal within 48 hours. The player is expected to agree a four-year deal at Parkhead. This was also reported by the media in Israel [One]
Abada racked up some decent stats with current club Maccabi Petah Tikva last season. He bagged 13 goals and four assists, managing to secure his first appearance for Israel in June’s friendly win against Montenegro.
All that and at only 19, the speedy winger would provide us with an exciting understudy to James Forrest down the right. He also has experience playing centre-forward too.
Liel Abada to Celtic must mark the beginning of a swift recruitment wave
It’s a promising move from Celtic and could end a long-term problem we’ve had at the football club. So long as he gets an opportunity, he’ll hopefully prove to be the Patrick Roberts replacement we’ve needed since 2018.
However, this simply can’t be it. We can’t have the club think that this will do for the UCL tie against Midtjylland. Celtic still have some time to register players ahead of the two-legged clash with the Danes, and there are still two big priority positions needing filled.
Ange Postecoglou has already confirmed that he wants a new centre-back and right-back in [Daily Record]. Quite rightly too. We only have Anthony Ralston and Lee O’Connor available to play on the right flank. As for the central defensive slots? We’re looking at Stephen Welsh and Kris Ajer, if he isn’t sold. We still need another brought into the club.
So Abada simply has to be the starts of something – not the main event. Should this be confirmed, Celtic fans will swiftly want to know when the next one is arriving.
And that’s been reflected in the reaction to this particular transfer rumour too. Here’s a look at what Hoops fans have been saying about the prospect of signing Abada:
In other news: CONFIRMED: Four Celtic matches will be shown live on Premier Sports this month
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