Liel Abada’s £3.5 million move to Scottish Premiership giants Celtic appears to have been confirmed by the player’s father, in quotes reported by the Glasgow Times.
This was supposed to be Celtic’s busiest summer since Martin O’Neil took over at Parkhead two decades ago.
But for whatever reason – whether because of Euro 2020, the COVID pandemic or merely a lack of organisational skills and long-term planning behind the scenes – a substantial rebuilding project is only now getting underway, with a grand total of six weeks remaining in the transfer window.
Better late than never, of course.
Israel international Abada looks set to become the first senior signing of the Ange Postecoglou era at Parkhead – assuming that former Sheffield Wednesday youngster Osaze Urhoghide will be playing for the club’s second string next term, that is.
Is Liel Abada set to join Postecoglou’s Celtic?
Abada arrived in Glasgow on Tuesday night, as reported by Israeli publication One, and is expected to sign a four-year deal after a fee in the region of £3.5 million was agreed.
The speedy winger recently missed out on a move to Ukrainian powerhouses Dynamo Kiev, but his father does not believe Abada’s Celtic switch will fall apart in similar circumstances.
“We were severely burned from the saga with Dynamo Kiev. It was extremely difficult for Liel to pick up the pieces after that deal collapsed,” said Ronen Abada.
“This time, we have been very careful with the negotiations with Celtic and we are extremely confident he will sign.
“Not many boys of his age would have been able to bounce back from that kind of disappointment and deal with the expectations after that.
“He will be in good hands at Celtic and we are waiting at home for the news to be confirmed.”
Abada, an exciting and adaptable forward who scored 13 goals for Maccabi Petah Tikva last season, should fit neatly into Postecoglou’s forward-thinking gameplan.
The former Australia boss also has a superb track record when it comes to developing the talents of technically-gifted youngsters like the 19-year-old speed-machine.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
