Watford, Southampton and West Brom, as well as clubs in Germany and France, are reported to be interested in signing Liel Abada on loan.
The Israeli winger has just returned to action after a long term injury but the situation in Gaza puts him and Celtic in a very difficult position.
Palestine flags are on display at every Celtic home match, images of Abada celebrating with that flag in the background could make life difficult for the 22-year-old in his homeland.
After two outstanding seasons under Ange Postecoglou Celtic are badly in need of Abada’s contribution to their title challenge but in unique circumstances that may not be possible.
This afternoon in the Daily Mail, Stephen McGowan revealed:
CELTIC’S Liel Abada is a loan target for clubs in the English Championship, France and Germany.
The Israeli international winger has come under sustained pressure from his homeland over the pro-Palestinian stance of sections of the Celtic support.
Despite rank-and-file fans rallying strongly behind the 22-year-old since his return from injury against Rangers last month, Abada has found the situation challenging.
With the conflict in Gaza showing no sign of relenting, a six-month loan move could offer time and space to review the situation in the summer, with promotion-chasing West Bromwich Albion set to join Watford, Southampton and clubs from Ligue One in France and the German Bundesliga in asking Celtic if they would consider a short-term deal. West Brom are also exploring a move for Abada’s Parkhead team-mate Mikey Johnston.
The signing of Nicolas Kuhn provides Celtic with another option on the right wing but there is no doubt that on his day Abada is a starter in the current Celtic side.
This situation is unique and one that Celtic couldn’t have prepared for. It isn’t one that Rodgers would have wished for with the hoops boss unlikely to speak to the media before Friday’s previews of the match against Ross County.
Unlikely, I’d say. He sores against sevco!
I fear we are being softened up for Abada’s departure which will be a shame.
We should not be letting him leave on loan and certainly not to Championship clubs.
Also we are being prepared for last minute loans to fill positions the manager wanted addressed last summer and, as we discovered to our cost in the ten in a row season, these players rarely make an impact.
This all reaks of more downsizing.
I don’t know about anyone else but, like the summer, my frustration is growing by every passing day.
The reality is this: if the recruitment team cannot identify the players the manager wants, then they need to be replaced. Similarly if the Board won’t part with the cash to buy the players the manager wants, when we have so much money in the bank it is creating its own gravity, then that is negligence.
We’ve all been down this road before and it never ends well.
As we saw in December, our support is two bad results away from mutiny.
On loan !!!!! My fucking arse
Since when has Celtic sent 1st-teamers out on loan ?