Revealed: Celtic ace Liel Abada 'could leave this month' as 'done deal' emerges

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

14 Jan 2024, 6:57 am

There remains the possibility that Liel Abada could quit Celtic before the January window shuts as they finalise the signing of Nicolas Kuhn, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed that the Israel international may end his spell in Glasgow after two-and-a-half years as he finds many Celtic fans' pro-Palestine rhetoric "difficult".

Sources have also told Football Insider that Abada "could leave this month" despite signing a new four-year deal at the club in September.

The main Celtic fan group, the Green Brigade, have frequently held aloft Palestinian flags at games despite the club warning against such actions.

The group were banned from attending home and away matches in October for “repeated incidents of unacceptable conduct", including a coordinated display of pro-Palestine banners in their Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.

Now, the 22-year-old could opt to move to a new club this month if an appropriate offer is received by the Hoops.

Sources have also told Football Insider (12 January) that the Hoops' move for Rapid Vienna winger Nicolas Kuhn is now a “done deal”.

Celtic have secured a work permit for Kuhn and only have minor paperwork issues to sort before the transfer is complete, meaning the German's arrival could pave the way for Abada to leave.

Abada has made just seven appearances for Brendan Rodgers' side this season after a torn thigh muscle forced him to the sidelines in September.

He bagged a goal and an assist in his opening two fixtures in the league this season and has made appearances from the bench in their last two games after returning from injury.

The right-winger has been a standout for the club since his reported £3.6million move from Israeli side Maccabi Petah Tikva in the summer of 2021.

He's scored 29 goals and provided 21 assists across 108 appearances and snatched PFA Scotland Young Player of the Season in his debut campaign.

Celtic remain eight points ahead of second-place Rangers at the top of the league.

They next face Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup after the winter break on 21 January.

In other news, Sources: Celtic open talks to sign another attacking star after deal agreed.

Celtic