Celtic’s Liel Abada, who was linked with West Brom and Southampton in January, is set to join Charlotte FC in a £10 million deal.
Celtic’s Liel Abada is set to join MLS club Charlotte FC in a deal worth over £10 million, eliminating any hopes West Brom or Southampton had of signing the winger this summer.
Liel Abada’s recent transfer
The Israeli international joined the Glasgow giants in the summer of 2021 and had an excellent first two years at Parkhead.
During his debut season, Celtic won the title and the League Cup, and he was voted Scotland’s Young Player of the Year. They went on to win the treble in his second season, with Abada continuing to play a key part under Ange Postecoglou.
However, this season has been more difficult for the player due to injuries that have limited his effect on the field, and his relationship with some fans has been strained as a result of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
As a result, it was claimed in January that Abada could move on, with West Brom and Southampton reportedly interested in moving the attacker to the Championship.
Liel Abada to join Charlotte FC in a £10 million agreement
That did not materialize, however, and with the window closed, both clubs would have to wait until the summer to make another play for Abada.
However, it appears he has decided on his next transfer, as Sky Sports News reports that Abada has passed a physical with Charlotte FC, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of the week.
Liel Abada is expected to finalize his transfer from Celtic to MLS club Charlotte FC within 48 hours of finishing his physical.
“A fee of £10m was agreed for the Israel international to head to America – with the winger set to work under former Aston Villa and Leicester boss Dean Smith, who is head coach at Charlotte FC.”
Liel Abada’s long-term prospects
As a designated player, Abada is a significant signing for Charlotte FC, and the fact that they have committed about £10 million to him demonstrates that he is a substantial investment for the club, so they can anticipate big things from him in the coming years.
Of all, he is only 22, so there is still a chance he will return to Europe, and it may be a goal for the player in the future.
However, it appears like the ship has gone for both Albion and Southampton in terms of signing Abada in the short term, even if they do win promotion to the Premier League, which is both clubs’ goal this season.
West Brom and Southampton’s Summer Plans
Following that, the recruiting staff at both clubs will undoubtedly compile two lists of potential new arrivals ahead of the transfer window.
In either case, it will be a vital summer for the Saints, who will need additions if they win promotion or will need to balance their team if they stay in the second tier.
Meanwhile, Albion are preparing for their first transfer window under new owner Shilen Patel, so it will be intriguing to see how things unfold.
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