Pundit Carlton Palmer anticipates a challenging situation for Southampton, West Bromwich Albion, and Watford in securing Celtic winger Liel Abada during this transfer window.
Reports suggest that these three clubs, along with counterparts in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, have expressed interest in a potential loan deal for Abada. West Brom is set to be the latest to approach Celtic, showing interest not only in Abada but also in his teammate Mikey Johnston.
Abada, who joined Celtic from Maccabi Petah Tikva in July 2021, played a pivotal role in the team’s domestic treble under Ange Postecoglou last season, contributing 13 goals and nine assists in 47 appearances across all competitions. Despite scoring one goal and providing two assists in eight games this season, injuries have plagued him, with a recent return after nearly four months due to a thigh injury.
While Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has emphasized Abada’s significant role in the upcoming season, the Israeli international reportedly seeks a move due to pressure from his homeland related to pro-Palestinian sentiments among some Hoops supporters during the Gaza conflict.
Southampton, West Brom, and Watford are eager to reinforce their squads this month as they pursue promotion, with Southampton currently in third place, and West Brom and Watford competing for playoff spots.
Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer expressed his expectation that Abada would stay at Celtic Park this month, especially in light of Rodgers’ comments on the winger’s future.
“Liel Abada is attracting lots of interest for a loan move away from the club,” said Palmer. “From a personal point of view, he would like a move from Celtic in the short-term to ease pressure from his homeland over fans’ pro-Palestinian stance.”
“West Brom, Watford, Southampton, and clubs in Germany and France are all keen to take the player on loan. However, Brendan Rodgers has come out and stated that Abada has a big role to play for Celtic in the second half of the season.”
“Celtic have no interest in a loan or permanent move in January for Abada away from the club; it is a complete non-starter from their end.”
Celtic faces a significant decision on whether to allow Abada to leave this month. While Rodgers is a supporter of Abada and fans have shown their backing, off-field events may lead him to make a move away from Celtic Park before the upcoming transfer deadline. Abada’s outstanding performance last season has attracted the attention of several Championship sides, but with Celtic’s desire to retain him and competition from top-flight clubs in France and Germany, Palmer suggests that securing a deal could be challenging for Southampton, West Brom, or Watford.