Sources: Celtic star Liel Abada rejects new contract
Celtic winger Liel Abada has rejected a new contract at the club ahead of a potential summer move, sources have told Football Insider.
Sources close to the 21-year-old have revealed that he wants to leave Parkhead this summer amid links to Premier League bottom club Southampton.
Israel international Abada, who joined Celtic in July 2021, is under contract until the summer of 2026.
The winger has notched 12 goals and seven assists in 41 appearances in the 2022-23 campaign – despite making just 17 starts.
He had a similarly successful season in 2021-22, registering 15 goals and 11 assists for the Hoops after joining from Israeli side Maccabi Petah Tikva.
Abada cost the Glasgow giants a reported fee of £3.6million almost two years ago.
He was named the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year last summer (2022) after his impressive debut campaign at Parkhead.
However, he has struggled for consistent starts in Ange Postecoglou’s side due to the sparkling form of Portuguese star Jota.
Abada missed the 2-0 win over Ross County on Sunday (2 April) after returning from international duty with an injury.
Speaking in the pre-match build-up to that win, Postecoglou suggested that the winger could miss this week’s (8 April) Old Firm clash with Rangers.
Celtic lead their rivals by nine points ahead of the derby clash on Saturday – and can secure back-to-back title wins in early May.
Winning the Scottish Premiership would ensure the Hoops return to the Champions League group stage in the 2023-24 season.
In other news, Football Insider updates as Celtic and Rangers race to sign teenage sensation.