Former Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton has implored Maccabi Tel Aviv team-mate Oscar Gloukh to stay put despite reported interest from the Hoops and Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers, speaking to Israeli publication Ynet.
Just last week, the 18-year-old midfielder put pen to paper with a new contract. But it’s fair to say he is not expected to remain a Maccabi player until his deal expires in the summer of 2025.
A ‘senior source’, speaking to Onet on behalf of the Israeli Premier League giants, insisted that 2022/23 will still be Gloukh’s ‘last year’ at Bloomfield Stadium.
That new contract, they add, ‘was made so that Maccabi Tel Aviv would have the opportunity to receive full value for him’ when the time comes for the teenager to depart.
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.
Glasgow rivals Celtic and Rangers like Israel wonderkid Oscar Gloukh
Bitton, however, believes that patience is indeed a virtue. Gloukh can only benefit from staying at a club offering first-team football at a key stage in his development.
“He is my roommate. I’ve had the opportunity to talk to him many times,” says Bitton; winner of eight Scottish Premiership titles with Celtic.
“I think that Gloukh should not rush to go abroad. Leaving Maccabi Tel Aviv is not necessarily the best thing for him right now. I think it will do him good to lead Maccabi Tel Aviv to titles and achievements before he leaves for Europe. He is still young.”
Gloukh, born in April 2004, already has four goals and five assists in just nine league games so far this season. Celtic, according to Sport5, are watching closely on the back of an outstanding debut campaign by another Parkhead-based Israeli import; Liel Abada.
Glasgow neighbours Rangers, per the Scottish Sun, also scouted Gloukh during the U19 European Championships over the summer. Gloukh was one of the tournament’s stand-out players, dragging Israel to the final.
“The contract is an excellent decision in my eyes,” adds Eli Ohana, who played 51 times for Israel. “He’s too young to go to Europe now. Except maybe (Fulham’s) 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.”
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