On Thursday, word leaked out that Spanish team Atletico Madrid had made a proposal for Matt O’Riley, which was accepted by Celtic. Although the Hoops don’t want to sell, Diego Simeone’s team wants to sign the midfield player on an initial loan with a buyout option later on.
O’Riley is regarded by Brendan Rodgers as a crucial player, and Celtic are certain of their status following the player’s 2023 four-year contract extension. There might be more updates on that one before the window closes, since both the Italian club Inter and another Spanish team are showing interest in Girona.
O’Riley isn’t the only Celtic player drawing attention, though. Despite having merely signed a new contract in September, Liel Abada may be moving this month due to issues outside of the game. In light of the current crisis in Gaza and the Celtics’ supporters of the Palestinian people, Aaron Rodgers has had private discussions with Israel international Abada.
In a statement earlier this month, he stated: “As a manager, you have to get in touch with the player if you have any concern for them. All you can do is try to comprehend and show empathy for the circumstances. Being a young man, he requires assistance and encouragement. It’s apparent that I support him.
Although you will never be the player’s greatest friend, there are occasions when you must be that person for them in order to give them some solace and the courage to press on. He is now content and settled here.”
Abada might ask Celtic for “time and space”
Abada might go on loan from Celtic, as reported by Daily Mail writer Stephen McGowan. The athlete finds it “challenging” since his club’s pro-Palestine demonstrations are putting him under “sustained pressure” in his home country.
In order to give himself some much-needed “time and space” before the two sides reevaluate the situation in the summer, Abada may decide to make a temporary relocation until the conclusion of the season.
Inquiries about a deal have been made by Championship teams Watford, Southampton, and West Brom to Celtic, in addition to clubs from the Bundesliga and Ligue 1. Up until now, the leaders of the Scottish Premiership have expressed “no desire to lose Abada,” but it is unclear whether they would alter their position should the player make a request.
For Celtic, “Handful” Abada has excelled.
Abada was a great acquisition for Celtic in his first two seasons in Glasgow, scoring 28 goals, dishing out 20 assists, and taking home the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award in 2021–2022. Abada only joined Celtic from Israeli team Maccabi Petah Tikva in 2021.
The “dynamic” wide player is a “nightmare” to play against, as Celtic defender Alistair Johnston claims he may have discovered in training. Former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has labeled him a “handful” and “a goal threat” against any opponent.
Abada’s 22-game absence from early September to just before the New Year (due to a ruptured thigh muscle) has limited him to only eight appearances this season. Considering the recent Rangers-Celtic title fight, some Celtic fans may have been anxiously anticipating his return, but it makes sense that he could desire to play football somewhere else for the time being.
