Liel Abada has admitted he received offers from Greek outfit Olympiacos and an MLS club before putting pen to paper on a £3.5 million move to Celtic in the transfer window, speaking to Israeli outfit One.
Yes, the spring-heeled winger is more raw than a rack of lamb in Hell’s Kitchen but, if his first few weeks at Parkhead are anything to go by, Celtic have a gem on their hands.
Direct, dynamic and occasionally deadly, Abada has made a massive impact under Ange Postecoglou, a green-and-white blur of energy and endeavour.
And while some have bemoaned a lack of end product, the fact he has contributed nine goals in just 12 appearances so far (five goals and four assists) speaks for itself.
Abada has formed an impressive understanding with fellow newcomer Kyogo Furuhashi and the way he combined with Benfica loanee Felipe Jota during last night’s 3-0 Premier Cup victory over Raith Rovers bodes well too.
Why did Liel Abada choose Celtic?
Unsurprisingly, there was no shortage of interest when a player of vast potential decided to move on from Israeli outfit Maccabi Petah Tikva, with Celtic fighting off competition from clubs on both sides of the Atlantic.
“There were talks with Olympiacos but they did not progress. There were also talks with a team from the American League. There may have been other teams that were interested and I did not know about them,” says Abada.
Dynamo Kiev expressed interest too regarding a deal that would have seen Abada join compatriot Manor Solomon in Ukrainian football.
The deal collapsed, however, which focused Abada’s mind and taught him a harsh lesson on the importance of professionalism.
“Dynamo wanted me very much and the deal reached a state of closure,” he adds. “One evening, I arrived at our training ground in Petah Tikva and was told there were problems with the contract.
“At first, I was very surprised, because you see it exploding in front of your eyes. But after a few days of being down, my dad called me and told me if I wanted to be sold in the summer, I must give in the second part of the season what I gave in the first part.
“From that moment on, I made a switch in my head.”
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