‘Tight rope’ – Michael Gannon delivers verdict on ‘shock’ Celtic development this week.
Celtic have allowed two players leave the club, and Michael Gannon believes the Bhoys are walking on a “tight rope”.
Liel Abada and Alexandro Bernabei left the club this week. Brendan Rodgers was profoundly saddened by Abada’s departure to the MLS with Charlotte FC.
Abada was having a successful career at Celtic Park, but the Israeli winger quit after months of high-profile pro-Palestinian rallies by Celtic fans.
Rodgers praised him as a “fantastic” player, implying that Abada was willing to commit to his future at Parkhead this summer. However, it is “desperately sad” that the player is looking for a job elsewhere, through no fault of his own.
Interestingly, Bernabei, an Argentine left-back, has also departed the club. The 23-year-old joined the Bhoys in 2022 on a five-year contract, but he was permitted to go after less than two years.
He has failed to make an impact and has joined Brazilian club Internacional on loan just hours before the deadline.According to the Scottish Sun, the move is a “shock”.
Gannon believes Abada should have been loaned out until the situation is resolved, and thinks Celtic made a mistake by allowing the Argentine defender to depart the club, leaving them short on defensive choices.
“Big time. Abada should have taken a loan till things cooled down. Celtic had to maintain Bernabei after failing to sign a left back in January. “They have walked themselves on to a tight rope,” wrote Gannon for The Daily Record (page 65, March 9).
Celtic are short of options
Rodgers has suffered greatly since Abada’s departure. He is an exciting attacking player, and Rodgers wanted to develop him so he could be a long-term value to the team.
However, the situation became toxic and uncomfortable for him, and he was forced to quit the club, which was terrible.
The choice to release Bernabei is unusual. While he wasn’t playing frequently, Celtic should have kept him because they don’t have enough left-back options.
Greg Taylor remains the sole recognized senior option, and the transfer decision may come back to haunt the Bhoys. Liam Scales can play left flank as cover, but he is a natural full-back.
Celtic will try to regain their winning ways when they meet Livingston in the Scottish FA Cup on Sunday at Celtic Park.
Leave a Reply