€11.5 million fee
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Liel Abada has joined Charlotte FC from Celtic this week. The MLS side have agreed an initial fee worth an initial €8m plus bonuses that could see the deal grow to €11.5m with the Scottish champions for the talented winger. Abada has been signed to a Young Designated Player contract that will run until 2026 with an option for 2027. Abada’s signature is viewed as a major coup for Charlotte as the Israeli international was on the radar of reputable European clubs last summer.
“Liel has been one of the most exciting young wingers in Europe and we’re delighted to welcome him to Charlotte,” said Charlotte FC general manager Zoran Krneta. “He’s an elite goal scorer and chance creator who is a proven winner that is determined to bring trophies home to the Club and our supporters. Liel has amassed nearly 200 professional games since making his debut, a stellar number for a 22-year-old, and has experience on Europe’s biggest stage—the UEFA Champions League. To bring a player of his caliber to Major League Soccer speaks to the strength of the league, but also that Charlotte FC is an attractive destination for top foreign talent.”
Now completed, Abada becomes the most expensive player in Charlotte FC history. Abada also becomes one of the most expensive signings in MLS history and the fourth most expensive Israeli player in history (overview).
Almada, Musa and Co.: Major League Soccer record transfers
Charlotte’s imminent signing Liel Abada is tenth most valuable player in Scotland
Abada penned a new four-year deal with Celtic to commit his future to the club but his situation has become complicated this season due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers conceded last month that Abada “wasn’t in the right frame of mind” to play for Celtic and his departure has been inevitable.
Abada has scored 22 goals and provided 29 assists across 112 appearances for Celtic and he’s the tenth most valuable player in the Scottish Premiership at €7m. Charlotte have landed an exciting prospect with huge potential for development and he will link-up with former Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield under the management of ex-Aston Villa boss Dean Smith.
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