Stephen McGowan transfer report delivers latest state of play on Liel Abada's Celtic future

Brendan Rodgers will be keen to hold on to all of his key assets this window as Celtic probe ahead in their hunt for the Scottish Premiership title.

The Hoops have announced Nicolas Kuhn as their only confirmed incoming this window and he could feature this weekend against Ross County if all goes to plan.

Nevertheless, Celtic will be all too aware that big hitters elsewhere could be keeping an eye on the progress of certain players if they continue to perform admirably.

Denmark international Matt O’Riley is someone who the above statement applies to, with Girona reportedly keen to sanction a deal for the 23-year-old this month.

On the same token, Cameron Carter-Vickers is being eyed by Premier League trio West Ham United, Brentford and Nottingham Forest amid his excellent displays since arriving in 2021.

Buying modestly and selling for a favourable profit has become the modus operandi of Parkhead chiefs over the last decade and supporters have learned to expect the unexpected in the transfer market.

Celtic winger Liel Abada eyed by several clubs in loan swoop

In recent times, Liel Abada has been the subject of significant speculation concerning his future at Celtic and new information has shed further light on the Israel international’s situation.

According to a transfer report from The Daily Mail’s Stephen McGowan, the 22-year-old is believed to be a loan target for West Bromwich Albion, Southampton and Watford.

The outlet claim that clubs in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga are also keen to secure his services as the January window nears its conclusion. On the contrary, Celtic have shown no desire to part ways with him at the mid-way point of the season.

Former Maccabi Petah Tikva winger Abada penned a new four-year contract at Parkhead last summer on Deadline Day after Rodgers revealed there was “significant interest” in his abilities from elsewhere [Sky Sports].

Liel Abada is a key player for Celtic

Despite missing much of the campaign with a thigh muscle injury, Abada has since returned to full fitness and has featured eight times in total across 2023/24, registering a goal and two assists [Transfermarkt].

His wider record of 29 strikes and 22 assists from 109 outings is something that has clearly piqued the interest of clubs elsewhere.

However, the Hoops shouldn’t contemplate letting him go either on loan or permanently if he is happy to continue in Glasgow.

It must be added that McGowan does suggest in his report for The Daily Mail that the Israeli has found elements of the last few months challenging amid the ongoing support for Palestine from some elements of the Celtic support.

While the January transfer window ticks into its final days, we will need to wait and see if Abada is still at the club by the close of play.