Celtic winger Liel Abada has been the subject of much conversation over his future at Parkhead amid his well-documented off-field issues.
The 22-year-old was left out of Brendan Rodgers’ squad against St Mirren earlier this month due to not being in the ‘right frame of mind’ to take part and hasn’t returned to action since.
Israel international Abada has been at the centre of significant speculation over recent weeks, and it is thought that the idea of him leaving Celtic is now a distinct possibility.
According to reports in his homeland, clubs from Major League Soccer have expressed a desire to offer the Petah Tikva-born attacker an escape route from his current situation, with a permanent deal most likely to occur.
Undoubtedly, his performances in green and white have taken a dip this campaign, as Abada has scored just once and laid on two assists in 11 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
His agent has initiated talks over an exit in recent weeks; however, few transfer windows are open for business, throwing a spanner in the works amid his desire to get back playing regularly.
Two clubs now in talks over a swoop for Celtic winger Liel Abada
According to Israeli outlet Sport 5, US-based sides Atlanta United and Austin FC have expressed an interest in swooping for Abada, and both clubs are in talks with his agent over a move.
Abada is desperate to leave Celtic and is willing to waive certain bonuses he is entitled to in the hope of being able to force through a permanent transfer.
The report states that he no longer wants to be considered for the Hoops’ matchday squad after being ‘verbally attacked while walking down the street’, though it doesn’t mention any more details of the incident.
Of course, Abada may have the opportunity to link up with former teammate Giorgios Giakoumakis at Atlanta United should he become a new arrival at The Five Stripes.
Celtic look to be left with no choice but to sell Liel Abada
Celtic look to be in a position where they need to sell Abada for the good of both parties, given that his situation has become a sideshow in our pursuit of the Scottish Premiership crown.
Granted, the 22-year-old has been an important player for the club, notching 29 goals and 22 assists in 129 appearances over the course of his time at Parkhead [Transfermarkt].
Nevertheless, sanctioning his departure appears to be the only option at this point, and hopefully, the club and player can find an agreement they are satisfied with in the near future.
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