The 2023 summer transfer window appears to be significant for Celtic. Ange Postecoglou has already been successful in guiding them back to the pinnacle of Scottish football. However, they will surely want to improve in Europe next season. And for that to happen, the club need to hold onto their best players, while also strengthening further.
Amid the hectic schedule, Celtic fans have already started thinking about potential scenarios beyond the end of the season. And there have been plenty of rumours about Liel Abada wanting to leave in the summer.
Rumours have suggested that two Premier League clubs, Southampton and Crystal Palace, are interested in signing the Israeli international. There have also been suggestions that Celtic could be ready to part ways with Abada for a transfer fee around £10 million.
However, Frank McAvennie appears to believe that staying at Celtic would do Abada a world of good. As reported by Football Insider, he said:
"“He is not the finished article.“I can tell why the manager is bringing him in.“He missed a sitter against Real Madrid, things like that get to you as a player. He has still got a lot to learn, he is only a young boy.“Do I think he is going to be a top player? Of course I do. I would think another year under Ange would do him the world of good.”"
Celtic player told to stay amid Premier League rumours
Abada joined Celtic in the summer of 2021 and has been a key part of the team since then, making a big contribution to their successes under the management of Postecoglou over the past couple of seasons.
In the current season, the 21-year-old has struggled to find consistency in terms of starts. That is to be expected though with the likes of Jota and Daizen Maeda ahead of him in the pecking order. He has been regularly appearing as a substitute though.
According to rumours, he has recently rejected a contract renewal offer from Celtic. His current deal runs till the summer of 2026.
Abada might not be a starter for Celtic. But he has proven himself to be an excellent impact substitute. Thus, fans will be hoping that the Israeli international remains at the club for the foreseeable future.