Liel Abada has finalised his move from Celtic to Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC for a reported fee of £8 million, which could rise to over £10 million.
The Israeli winger’s departure comes after a period of speculation surrounding his future at Parkhead, amidst personal concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in his homeland.
𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐃.
IT'S ABADA TIME 👑 pic.twitter.com/xgYBTP9T3d
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) March 7, 2024
Abada, who joined Celtic in July 2021 from Maccabi Petah Tikva for £4 million, made an immediate impact in Scotland, earning the PFA Scotland’s Young Player of the Year award in his debut season, when he was commonly amongst the goals and assists.
Under the management of Ange Postecoglou, Abada became a key figure for Celtic, but injuries and off-the-pitch issues have curtailed his development under Brendan Rodgers.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers had previously hinted that a move might be necessary for Abada to continue his career progression, amidst challenges both on and off the pitch. Now, the 22-year-old has opted for a new challenge in the United States, signing a two-year contract, with an option for another, with Charlotte FC.
Glad to see the back of this troubled and troublesome youth.
Put in an impossible situation for such a young player, and even more so with the growing anti Israeli feelings within Europe over the genocide ongoing?
So maybe the MLS is the best option to restart his career currently, but we still lose out in financial terms all the same imo?
Wouldn’t hold it against Abada all the same, but disappointed his career with ourselves ended in the manner that it has, and potentially cost ourselves millions also in the process?
For a player with huge potential within the game, Wouldn’t like to say now what the future holds for him now?
Wish him all the best regardless
Well, Johnno, there are other Israeli players playing all across Europe and not one of them has considered himself to be in a difficult situation with his club. The sole Liel Abada gripe was to do with a handful of politically agitating crackpots called the Red Brigade. The vast majority of Celtic fans were pro-Abada, yet lying noises from Israel together with his obvious lack of interest in the team when he came on in the Hibs game made it clear that the problem was with Abada and no one else. Good to see the back of him.