If a report from The Daily Mail (cited by the Daily Record) is believed to be true, Celtic attacking ace Liel Abada could part ways in the upcoming summer window. He has already rejected a contract extension at Parkhead and the Hoops, therefore, would listen to offers for the Israeli youngster amid interest from Southampton.
The 21-year-old Blues and Whites international progressed through the academy ranks of Hapoel Petah Tikva and Maccabi Petah Tikva before breaking into the latter’s senior squad back in August 2019. The Celts have scouted the Israeli market extensively over the years and the impressive wide attacker eventually plied his trade at Glasgow for a fee in the region of £3.6m.
A Transfer Success At Celtic
Ange Postecoglou reconstructed the Celtic side with an array of new signings soon after accepting the vacant managerial role. Abada was one of his early recruits who featured 54 times last season across competitions. Despite his flexibility across the frontline, the Aussie boss deployed him down the right-hand flank for his flair, finesse and directness. With 15 goals and 11 assists, the young prodigy depicted his adaptability against the aggression and demands of the Scottish game.
Abada, meanwhile, has mostly been utilized as an understudy to Filipe Jota and Daizen Maeda so far in this campaign. Yet he has scored 12 goals and laid on 7 more in 41 appearances. Postecoglou used his contacts and influence in the Far East to tie down several Japanese stars, and Maeda, being one of them, has been involved week in and week out for his immense work rate.
Southampton Could Secure His Services
Maccabi Petah Tikva chief Avi Luzon has sparked speculations in a recent interview.
“I believe he will be sold in the summer to the Premier League. There were talks already in the last window, but he didn’t want to be sold. They offered him a contract extension and I know he didn’t agree, because he wants to be sold.”
Told Luzon (as quoted by the Daily Record), who might not know the names of the suitors, is aware of the offers. The Bhoys would demand at least £10m for their prized asset with more than three years left in his existing deal.
The Saints, currently rock-bottom in the Premier League standings, are fighting against the odds to retain their top-flight status. They roped in the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Stuart Armstrong, Victor Wanyama and Fraser Forster from Celtic who earned cult status at St Mary’s and such transfer success over the years could prompt them to splash the cash once again irrespective of what lies ahead beyond the current season.
