Away from the title celebrations and the build-up to Celtic’s Scottish Cup final for a second, the transfer of Liel Abada to Charlotte FC is back in the news today.
The Israeli winger was a fan favourite at the club, however, personal issues meant that Abada left the club in the January window and seems to be enjoying a new lease of life in the USA.
After sealing his big move, Abada thanked Celtic for his time at the club and has so far made five appearances scoring one goal in his early days at the US club. [Transfermarkt]
But when the move was being brokered, Charlotte FC Technical Director, Tommy Wilson, shared the messages he was getting from the Celtic support before the deal was completed.
Wilson told he was trying to ‘sabotage’ Celtic title bid
The former Rangers coach clearly still keeps a close eye on the Scottish game and here he admits that he only played a ‘small part’ in Abada’s Celtic exit.
Wilson said [Sunday Mail print edition page 55], “It’s a massive signing for the club and obviously I was asked for my opinion of Liel.
“I knew of him because I keep in touch with what’s going on in Scotland.
“As someone who worked at Rangers before, I’m sure the fans there would have been delighted at us taking one of Celtic’s best players.
“But I also know a few Celtic supporters who were messaging me saying: ‘What the f— are you doing, trying to sabotage our title bid?’
“I only played a small part in it. I phoned a few people in Glasgow and got nothing but good feedback on Liel.
“It’s fair to say Charlotte FC were very sharp and aware of Liel’s situation at Celtic and they took advantage of that.”
I absolutely believe that had Abada played more of a role in Celtic’s title bid this season then race wouldn’t have been as close as it was.
Taking Abada’s goals and assists out of the team at at time when Brendan Rodgers also lost Jota meant that Celtic lost two potent attacking threats at the same time.
But with the title now sealed and Abada settled into his new club, I’m sure every fan will wish him continued success in the new chapter of his relatively young career.