Celtic winger Liel Abada completes £10m transfer to Charlotte FC

MLS outfit Charlotte FC have completed the signing of Israeli winger Liel Abada from Scottish Premiership giants Celtic.

The 22-year-old has put pen to paper on a contract that runs until 2026, with an option to extend by a further 12 months.

Charlotte are understood to have spent a club-record £10m to lure Abada to America, with the winger recruited as one of the club's young designated players who will occupy an international roster slot.

Abada departs Celtic after winning five major trophies, including two Scottish Premiership titles, as well as scoring 29 goals and providing 22 assists in 112 appearances over a two-and-a-half years period at the club.

The Israel international sat out of Celtic's last five matches due to personal reasons amid the ongoing conflict between his home country and Palestine.

Large numbers of Celtic fans have regularly shown their support for Palestine, with the country's flags flown at Parkhead and supporters collectively singing songs during games amid Israel's ongoing military assault in Gaza.

Manager Brendan Rodgers admitted last month that Abada could soon leave the Hoops as he «does not feel quite right or ready» to play for the club.

Abada will now embark on a fresh challenge in MLS with Dean Smith's Charlotte side and has taken to Instagram to bid farewell to Celtic.

«After two-and-a-half incredible years, the time has come to bid farewell,» Abada wrote. «Where do I even begin? Leaving Celtic wasn't in my plans, yet life's unpredictable turns remind us that we're not always in control.

»The past six months have been a personal challenge, yet the overwhelming support from the gaffer, coaches, and board has been my rock. Their unwavering faith during these times won't be forgotten but