LIEL ABADA could be heading to the MLS to team up with former Celtic colleague Giorgos Giakoumakis.
The Israeli international has been missing from the champions’ last three matchday squads against St Mirren, Kilmarnock and Motherwell with Brendan Rodgers explaining the winger is not mentally attuned to participate.
Abada was linked with three unnamed American clubs, as CQN reported earlier this month, and now one of the teams has emerged as Atlanta United who bought Greek striker Giakoumakis from the Hoops in February last year.
RED ALERT…Liel Abada puts the pressure on Aberdeen in Celtic’s 3-1 win at Pittodrie in August.
The 22-year-old wide Bhoy, who cost £3.5million when Ange Postecoglou landed him from Maccabi Petah Tikva in July 2021, signed a deal in September to keep him at Parkhead until 2027.
However, that was just before his nation’s conflict with Palestine and a stance among a section of the Hoops support has raised questions over Abada’s desire to remain in Glasgow.
MLS clubs have a transfer deadline until April 23 to recruit new players and Israeli outlet Sport 5 claim that Atlanta and Austin FC are two of the three club “interested” in a deal. Both clubs have space on their list of designated players – which allows them to sign up to three players who would be considered outside their salary cap.
The Hoops hierarchy and Abada’s agents have been locked in talks over a resolution for the player who became an instant fans’ favourite when he first signed during the Ange Revolution.
THAT’S MY BHOY…Brendan Rodgers has a special hug for Liel Abada after his cameo appearance in the 2-1 derby triumph at Parkhead in late December.
Atlanta believe they have a “special relationship” with the Parkhead club after signing Giakoumakis.
The media report suggested that Abada is “interested” in “giving up a percentage of his future contract” in order to facilitate a permanent deal.
The champions booted out a £7million bid from Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon in September only days before the exciting raider signed a contract extension.
Abada was a loan target for clubs in England, Germany and France in last month’s transfer window, but the deadline passed before any business was concluded, but the door remains open for a switch to the States.
