As per reports from Israel (as quoted by the Daily Record), Celtic are considering a summer move for Maccabi Haifa midfielder Mohammad Abu Fani. But they are not alone in keeping close eyes on Israel’s Nations League fixtures. The Hoops must fend off interest from Eintracht Frankfurt, Standard Liege and Royal Antwerp to secure his services in the upcoming transfer window.
The 24-year-old Israel international progressed through the youth ranks of Maccabi Haifa before breaking into their senior side four years back.
He was then sent on loan to Hapoel Ramat Gan and Hapoel Hadera for first-team experience, and the spells there helped him cement his place in the middle of the park. He was pivotal to Maccabi Haifa’s back to back league triumph, and his availability for a minuscule £800,000 has now alerted a host of European clubs.
Celtic, meanwhile, have parted ways with Nir Bitton, who served them for almost a decade. Although they are well equipped in the centre of the pitch, a versatile and veteran midfielder of Bitton’s calibre must be replaced in the long run. Fani, his fellow countryman, holds all the traits to script a success story in Ange Postecoglou’s system.
Why Celtic Should Rope Him In
Predominantly a holding midfielder, the Israeli ace is also comfortable as a ‘number 8’ and advanced playmaker, given his ball-carrying ability and vision. The Celts are blessed to have skipper Callum McGregor who has been immense in his deep-lying playmaking role. However, the lack of depth and quality deep down the midfield highlights the necessity of a new ‘number 6’. Ismaila Soro is no more in the manager’s plan, whereas experienced James McCarthy has failed miserably despite his profound experience south of the border.
Meanwhile, their winter signings Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley and Yosuke Ideguchi are tipped to flourish more with time. Moreover, the return of David Turnbull bolsters them in the centre of the pitch. Having said that, the departure of Tom Rogic should leave a void in terms of creative spark and dribbling skills, and Fani, with six goals and assists each in 44 outings, has often depicted his expertise as a box-to-box or attacking midfielder.
Celtic have scouted the Israeli market extensively in the recent past. Besides Bitton; Hatem Abd Elhamed and Liel Abada have also been roped in by the Glasgow giants and a move for Fani thus makes absolute sense as his flexibility ticks many boxes to fit in ‘Angeball’.
