Celtic have joined Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers in the race to sign Israel wonderkid Oscar Gloukh with Sport5 claiming that the midfielder has turned down a new contract at Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Back in July, after his 18-year-old son was linked with a potential £8 million move to the likes of Rangers, Ajax, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur, Gloukh’s father attempted to ease the fears of those worrying that one of the greatest talents to emerge in Israeli football could be about to make the move to a major league far too early in his development.
“I feel he is more ready than a couple years ago to make the move to a big league. I see him as a player who can cope in Europe,” explains Gloukh Sr.
“I’m not saying he will have an easy life. He will have to compete with a lot of players for his place. (But) if it’s possible to leave, he will leave.”
Celtic and Rangers both like Maccabi Tel Aviv wonderkid Oscar Gloukh
With Gloukh turning down the chance to extend a contract that expires in December 2023, a departure now feels like only a matter of time. The 18-year-old seemingly wants a release clause included in any new deal – one that would allow him to take his future into his own hands. Maccabi Tel Aviv, however, are not exactly keen on the idea.
Hence, the impasse.
“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.”
The Scottish Sun claimed back in the summer that Rangers were scouting Gloukh; a dazzling, defence-splitting playmaker. The teenager was the shining star in the Israel side who reached the final of the U19 Euros.
Rangers are not the only Glasgow-based giant showing an interest either. Celtic, Sport5 say, are one of the ‘most serious suitors for Gloukh’s signature, alongside Marseille, Lille and Stade Brest.
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