LIEL ABADA signed an enhanced deal with Celtic just hours after the champions had knocked a £7million bid for the Israeli winger.
Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon were prepared to pay DOUBLE the fee the Hoops had shelled out for the Israeli international when he joined from Maccabi Petah Tikva in July 2021.
However, the Parkhead hierarchy wasted no time in booting out the offer, just as they had done with a Bologna bid for Matt O’Riley the previous week, as reported in the Scottish Sun.
HOOP HOOP HOORAY…a beaming Liel Abada after signing his new contract. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
Brendan Rodgers clearly sees Abada as a key man in his plans for the club and the 21-year-old goalscoring flanker has now committed himself to the title kings until at least the summer of 2027.
The lively touchline raider scored on his debut in the 1-1 Champions League qualifier draw against FC Midtjylland and has gone on to claim 29 strikes in 105 appearances.
Abada brought down the curtain on Celtic’s treble-winning campaign with the second goal in the 3-1 Scottish Cup Final victory over Inverness Caley Thistle at Hampden on June 3 and opened his account for this term with the opener in the identical scoreline against Aberdeen at Pittodrie last month.
The much-wanted Hoops ace, who has also been linked with Ajax, Benfica and Southampton in recent times, has won five trophies with the club.
After agreeing a new contract, Abada said: “I’m really happy. Celtic is a big club with big fans and I love the club.
ON THE BALL…Liel Abada has ended the guessing game by signing an extended deal at the champions.
“The most important thing for me is to improve every day and in every game. I want to get better for the team to achieve our targets.
“Every time I score for this club is really amazing. To score in Celtic Park is always special and the atmosphere is amazing.
“Hopefully, I can show more this season for everyone and I will try and get better for the team.”
Abada, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “Every time you play at a club like Celtic you have a lot of great players and a lot of competition.
“For me, the most important thing is to work hard every day and gain experience from the staff and improve for the team.”
Boss Rodgers added: “I am delighted that Liel has extended his contract with the club.
“We know there was significant interest in Liel from other clubs, so we’re delighted that he has committed his future to Celtic.
“Already he has made a great contribution to Celtic, delivering some great performances and making a real impact. His energy and ability are real assets to us and his delivery in terms of goals and assists from wide areas has been excellent.
“He is a fantastic young player and now we hope he can build on what he has achieved so far and develop even further.”
