Oscar Gloukh has a £6 million release clause in his new Maccabi Tel Aviv contract but a potential move to Scottish Premiership giants Celtic or Rangers would come too soon, former Israel international Eli Ohana tells Sport5.
Earlier this week, arguably the most talented Israeli footballer of his generation put pen to paper on a new deal. But if you thought that would bring an end to the speculation raging over his future, think again.
A ‘senior source’ speaking to Onet on behalf of Maccabi Tel Aviv insists that this will still be Gloukh’s ‘last year’ in the Israeli Premier League.
The contract, they add, ‘was made so that Maccabi Tel Aviv would have the opportunity to receive full value for him’. Hence the inclusion of a £6 million release clause. One that, if triggered, will make an exciting attacking midfielder dubbed ‘one of the greatest talents in Europe’ the second most-expensive export in Maccabi’s history.
Celtic, Sport5 say, are keen on the diminutive 18-year-old; perhaps inspired by the success of Gloukh’s compatriot Liel Abada in green and white. Rangers also scouted him as Gloukh inspired Israel to the final of the U19 European Championships last summer (Scottish Sun).
£6 million is a hefty fee for even Scotland’s biggest clubs. Both Celtic and Rangers have, however, invested similar sums before in up-and-coming talent.
Will Oscar Gloukh still end up at Rangers, Celtic or Tottenham Hotspur?
“The contract is an excellent decision in my eyes,” says Ohana, who played 51 times for Israel. “He’s too young to go to Europe now. Except maybe (Fulham’s former Shakhtar Donetsk winger) Manor Solomon, most of those who left at that age returned after a year or two years.
“You arrive at the age of 18 or 19, alone, without family and friends. You have to live alone, take care of yourself and it’s not easy. I think (Gloukh made) an agreement that is good for both parties.”
Gloukh, who has four goals and five assists in just nine league games this season, has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur, as well as perennial talentspotters Ajax and Borussia Dortmund (Mirror, 10th July, page 74). Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg held talks too.
“I would recommend him to leave,” says Israel legend Gil Vermouth, taking a completely difference stance from Ohana.
“If a club signs him and takes him on as a project, then there’s 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) Benayoun, I do not remember such a player (coming from Israel).”
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