Today on the ACSOM bulletin, Paul John Dykes was joined by Colin Watt to discuss, amongst other topics, the future of Israeli winger Liel Abada.
Speculation over the 21-year-old’s future hit the headlines over the weekend when the dual story broke of the forward apparently turning down a contract extension with Celtic and expressing his desire to play in the English Premiership.
The main source of the rumour appears to be Avi Luzon, president of Abada’s former club Maccabi Petah Tikva, who made the claim whilst talking to a media outlet in Israel.
“I believe he will be sold to the Premier League this summer. There was talk already in the last window, but he did not want to be sold. They offered him to extend a contract and I know he didn’t agree, because he wants to be sold.”
“I don’t know the names of any teams, but there are offers and I believe it’s over 90% likely that he’ll move to the Premier League this summer. “
“I hope he continues to score goals until the end of the season and then he will be sold for sure.”
Abada has been an important figure in the team since his arrival at the start of last season contributing 27 goals and 18 assists in 95 appearances. His raw ability causing defences countless problems both domestically and in Europe.
That he would be keen to further his career in the most high-profile league in the world should not come as a shock.
However, as Paul pointed out on the bulletin “we sell that dream (of a pathway to the riches of the Premiership) to young players.” It’s one of the key selling points we can make when attracting players of high potential to the club.
Celtic has a rich history of developing promising talents, offering a European platform to develop on, and providing a pathway to bigger leagues. If Abada is next to make that journey his loss will be felt within the dynamic of the squad, but given how well Ange has recruited so far – and he did sign Abada in the first place – there is a confidence that a more than able replacement can be acquired.
Colin Watt put forward the opinion that despite his obvious talents, Abada is still young and with it inconsistent. In his opinion the best thing for Abada would be to “stay and develop here for another year or two” and wonders what level of club he would attract.
While commenter Mark E made an interesting point that if Abada was to leave then the German Bundesliga might be more suited to his skillset.
Ange warned us going into the January transfer window not to get too attached to the players. There will be comings and goings over the summer and some fan favourites, like Abada, may well depart. Knowing Ange as we do though, their replacements will already be lined up to become the heroes of next season.
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