Last year, during the first few weeks of the Ange Postecoglou era, Celtic signed a little-known 19-year-old by the name of Liel Abada from the Israeli top-flight. If the Hoops get their wish, history could repeat itself at some point in 2023.
The fact that Oscar Gloukh is viewed by many as the most exciting young talent to come out of Israel in many a generation – instead of a player who provided 15 goals and 11 assists as Celtic re-claimed the Scottish Premiership title last season – speaks volumes about just how highly Maccabi Tel Aviv’s 18-year-old playmaker is regarded back home by the Red Sea.
Abada is a footballer brimming, overflowing with potential. Fast, direct and a goal threat from out wide; the sky, as they say, is the limit for the former Petah Tikvah speedster. Gloukh, however, threatens to burst through the atmosphere and into space itself; a cosmic, almost alien talent.
“The greatest talent of Israeli football today is, of course, Oscar Gloch,” explains Luis Vicente Matteo, who had a spell coaching with Maccabi Haifa.
“He is not only one of the greatest talents in Israel, he is one of the greatest talents in Europe. The problem is that, sometimes, the clubs block the players so as not to lose them. (Gloukh) showed that he can play at a high level at Maccabi Tel Aviv. But he needs to take the next step to continue his development and raise his level.
“If he stays for two or three years in Maccabi Tel Aviv, he could disappear. In Europe, it is easier to take the next step.”
Could Celtic beat Rangers to Maccabi Tel Aviv wonderkid Oscar Gloukh?
It should come as no surprise that Ajax and Borussia Dortmund have already cottoned on to Gloukh’s potential. From Frenkie de Jong to Jude Bellingham, Antony to Jadon Sancho, both clubs are renowned for unearthing diamonds in the rough. Celtic too.
Perhaps inspired by Abada’s Scottish success story, Israeli publication Sport5 say that the Premiership champions are returning to a familiar market. Celtic are reportedly one of the leading candidates to secure Gloukh’s sought-after signature in the New Year. An £8 million price-tag may be on the expensive side. But, with Gloukh rejecting the chance to extend a contract that expires in 2023, Celtic will know deep down that, if they miss out on him now, then such an opportunity might not come around again with some of Europe’s greatest sides throwing their hats into the ring.
Reports suggesting that Rangers have also sent scouts to watch the diminutive defence-splitter, via the Scottish Sun, add another intriguing subplot to Gloukh’s already enthralling story. The presence of Abada at Parkhead, however, feels like an ace up Postecoglou’s sleeve. Who better to mentor Gloukh, to help him adapt to a new league and a new country, than another Israeli youngster who made the very same journey?
And that’s without mentioning Postecoglou himself. A coach who, during just over a year in Glasgow, has established himself as an elite-developer of young talent. And an expert squad-builder to boot.
‘Something special’
“Now, I would recommend him to leave,” says Israel legend Gil Vermouth.
“If a club signs him and invests in him and takes him on as a project, then there is a chance of success. Gloukh is something special. He needs to examine his options, sit down with his parents and coaches, and decide.”
“After (former Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham ace) Yossi Benayoun, I do not remember such a player (coming from Israel).”
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