Liel Abada Celtic transfer exit talk quashed as Brendan Rodgers slaps not for sale sign on winger.
The Hoops winger is a target for numerous southern clubs, but Parkhead has yet to receive an official approach.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers confirms that Liel Abada is not for sale in January.
The Hoops winger is a target for several English clubs, but Parkhead has yet to receive an official approach. Yuki Kobayashi, a defender, is expected to be released, with US clubs Real Salt Lake City and FC Dallas interested. Rodgers aims to retain Abada and other key figures, including Matt O’Riley.
There are worries that the Israel winger is seeking for an escape due to pressure from his own country and pro-Palestine protests in the Celtic Park stands. Rodgers has spoken with the 21-year-old, and the wide player was greeted warmly upon his return to the squad from injury before the winter break. The Celtics manager regards Abada as an important component of his plans, and any attempts to sign him, such as Atletico Madrid’s request for O’Riley, will be met with resistance.
Speaking before Cameron Carter-Vickers signed a new five-and-a-half year deal, Rodgers said: “There’s nothing on Liel. I know there has been stories generated for whatever reason around him, probably trying to second guess what has been going on with Liel.
“It’s very, very simple. Liel was out injured for a long period of time, he has gone back in, and again he is a player I am excited to work with, that I can improve. He’s a player that I spoke to very early on, and he comes to me and we speak, and his focus is very much on being here at Celtic and developing.
“The difficulties in his homeland are understandable, but we do not want to sell him. He is an important part of our team, and when the right players are available, football will change. He alone has made a significant difference to our team, so I will not be in a hurry to lose him.
Meanwhile Kobayashi is at the heart of an MLS fight and it is believed the Scottish champions would be open to a move. He has found first-team football hard to come by since Rodgers returned to Celtic. The 23-year-old hasn’t played under him and his last top team outing for Celtic was last season. Kobayashi moved to Celtic from Vissel Kobe in January last year.
He came in under Ange Postecoglou but failed to make the same impact as he fellow countrymen Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate. It has been a frustrating spell although the chance to get playing in America could get his career back up and running.
Rodgers’ fringe players, including Mikey Johnston, Gustaf Lagerbielke, and Marco Tilio, may leave before the transfer deadline. Yosuke Ideguchi, a fellow Japanese midfielder, left Celtic to join Vissel Kobe.
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