Stephen McGowan
JULY 19, 2023
Celtic winger Liel Abada has been added to big-spending Fenerbahce’s list of summer targets.
The 21-year-old Israeli international played from the start for Brendan Rodgers’ side in a rollercoaster 6-4 defeat to Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan on Wednesday. And Turkish giants Fenerbahce want to make him their second signing from the Scottish Premiership having already snapped up Ryan Kent from Rangers.
The Parkhead club have already sold Portuguese winger Jota to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia for £25million. Abada, who is under contract until 2026, would command a fee in excess of £10m.
In addition to Kent, Fenerbahce have brought in Edin Dzeko and Dusan Tadic this summer, but they face an uphill struggle to persuade Abada that his future lies in the Turkish Super Lig. Signed for £3.5m from Maccabi Petah Tikva in 2021, Abada has attracted interest from clubs around Europe.
Celtic manager Rodgers has strengthened his squad by signing Australian winger Marco Tilio. South Korean winger Yang Hyun-jun, meanwhile, has landed in the UK to complete his £2.1m move from Gangwon, with compatriot Kwon Hyeok-kyu tying up loose ends before the midfielder following suit.
A central defender remains a priority and former Chelsea youth player Xavier Mbuyamba is high on a list of targets.
The 21-year-old Dutchman is expected to leave current club Volendam this summer, and Celtic face competition for his signature.