Celtic are reported to be planning talks in the coming weeks with Liel Abada over improved terms.
The winger was the first major signing made by Ange Postecoglou, arriving for £3m in July 2021 from Petah Tikva and signing a five year contract.
Abada needed virtually no settling in time at Celtic, hitting double figures in terms of goals and assists in his debut season with that form continuing this season.
At the age of 21 with Champions League experience and breaking into the Israeli international side there is no lack of awareness about Abada.
Southampton have scouted Celtic heavily in the past with the Daily Record reporting:
The South Coast club has previously signed Victor Wanyama, Fraser Forster, Stuart Armstrong and Virgil van Dijk. Southampton have made recent changes in their scouting department but Abada very much remains on their radar.
The St Mary’s side aren’t likely to be the only English suitors for Abada though once the first move is made. Celtic, though, are keen to fight off any potential interest.
The Hoops have previously indicated they want to reward him with improved terms and those talks are expected to take place in the coming weeks – despite recent reports claiming discussions were already under way.
Generally it is a good move to get players signed up onto long term contracts but it can create a problem as well as Celtic are discovering with Josip Juranovic and Giorgos Giakoumakis.
Any new deal would require at least another year put onto a contract with players very aware that one good season can result in their earning potential quickly soaring.
CLICK HERE for Abada Transfermarkt profile.
