Celtic-linked midfielder Mohammed Abu Fani is expected to remain at Maccabi Haifa until after their 2nd round Champions League qualifier against Olympiacos.
In recent weeks, reports have suggested that the 24-year-old will depart the current Israeli Champions after rising through the youth ranks at Maccabi Haifa. [Sport 5]
Abu Fani has attracted interest from clubs across Europe, including Celtic, who are reportedly ‘considering’ a move. [Daily Record]
With the player expected to move on, his current club have stated they will not stand in his way should a suitable offer come in during the summer window.
Maccabi Haifa is yet to receive a bid for the midfielder. However, Celtic’s interest continues to be freshly reported by the media in Israel. [Sport 5]
The same report states that should Celtic look to make a move at this stage in the window, they could be made to wait to secure Abu Fani’s services.
With Maccabi Haifa set to participate in Champions League qualifying, the Israeli side is keen to keep a hold of the highly-rated midfielder until after their 2nd round qualifier next month.
Haifa face a tough test in their quest for qualification as they prepare to take on Greek Champions Olympiacos.
Although they are keen to see Abu Fani remain for the tie, the report also states that they will only allow the 14-time capped internationalist to leave before those two legs if an ‘exceptional offer’ arrives.
Celtic interest in Abu Fani could end if Postecoglou is made to wait
During the early stages of the summer transfer window, Ange Postecoglou and Celtic have been heavily linked with a move for a new defensive midfielder.
After the exit of Nir Bitton, it is clearly a position that the Hoops boss is looking to fill within his squad.
Vinicius Souza is one option that seems to be on the 56-year-old’s radar as the Brazilian prepares to decide his future.
Having kept a close eye on Abu Fani in the last international break, the Maccabi man appears to be another player Postecoglou was potentially considering for that position.
However, the Celtic manager has stated on a few occasions that he is keen to see his new arrivals join the club for pre-season.
Should Abu Fani remain at his current side for their early Champions League qualifiers, he will still be in Israel at the end of July.
Of course, that is when Postecoglou and his squad will be preparing for their Scottish Premiership opener against Aberdeen.
So, it could put Celtic off from making a move for the Israeli internationalist and instead move to other options that will be available right away.
In other news, Harry Kewell “blown away” by initial impressions of Celtic and Lennoxtown.
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