Celtic have pulled off several transfer masterstrokes in recent times. Ange Postecoglou has mentioned how he not only looks at ability but also mentality of the players, before bringing them to Parkhead. And that has been on full show in recent games, when the going has got tough. It had looked like the Hoops were doomed to drop points and draw 2-2 against bottom-placed Dundee United last weekend, before Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada cropped up with the winning goals.
Kyogo has gotten a lot of plaudits during his time at Celtic and rightfully so. Abada is someone who has flown a bit under the radar.
Perhaps because his play is hit-and-miss at times. Nobody can argue with his remarkable output in a Celtic jersey though. He turned 21 years of age just last month, but according to stats from Transfermarkt, Abada has scored 24 goals and provided 13 assists in 74 appearances across all competitions while playing 4187 minutes of football in total.
That is an impressive output for a player who is only expected to get better and has not even established himself as a regular starter. And as reported by Football Insider, Frank McAvennie has told Celtic to secure a long-term contract extension for Abada, as he said:
"“Abada is young, he has got a lot of time.“He is progressing and getting better everyday. He looked good against Real Madrid last week. He was fearless, getting the ball and wanting to run at people.“I think he is a good one to keep hold of. For me, he will definitely sign a new contract.“"
Celtic told to agree extension for youngster
It often feels like Abada does not get the credit that he deserves for how well he has done since joining and gets lost in the shuffle due to the performances of the likes of Jota, Kyogo and others.
It is great to see him finally get some of his fair due of credit as well and rumours broke out recently that the club are already in talks over a new deal with him.
It remains to be seen if it ends up happening or not, but at the moment, Celtic have nothing to sweat about as his current deal runs till the summer of 2026 anyway.