Former Celtic Star Liel Abada sparking interest from England

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·5 January 2026

Former Celtic Star Liel Abada sparking interest from England

Former Celtic winger Liel Abada has emerged as a potential target for clubs in the English Championship, almost two years after bringing his spell at Celtic Park to an end…

3rd February 2024 Pittodrie, Scottish Premiership, Aberdeen versus Celtic Liel Abada of Celtic on the ball. Photo ActionPlus Vagelis Georgariou

Interest in the Israeli international is understood to be building as teams assess their options ahead of the second half of the season.

OneFootball Videos

Abada completed a £10 million move to MLS outfit Charlotte FC in March 2024 and has since contributed 13 goals across 60 appearances in the United States.

Despite that return, his situation has been closely monitored by clubs in England, with long-standing admirers continuing to track his progress.

Celtic v Buckie Thistle – Liel Abada in action during the Scottish Cup match at Celtic Park on Sunday January 21, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan

Sky Sports report that current English Championship leaders Coventry City are among those keeping a close watch on the 24-year-old, alongside league rivals Swansea City. Both sides are believed to be exploring attacking reinforcements.

With the MLS campaign not resuming until March, Abada is said to be open to a short-term loan move until the end of the season. Although he remains under contract with Charlotte until 2026, the deal includes an option to extend by a further year.

Swansea are also understood to be weighing up alternative wide options, including Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, a player previously linked with both Celtic and the Ibrox club.

Liel Abada celebrates scoring during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Rangers FC at on September 03, 2022 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rak-Sakyi is currently on loan with Turkish side Rizespor, though a return to England could prove difficult to finalise, increasing the chances of Abada moving back to Britain.

The ex-Celtic winger has recently found himself out of Charlotte’s starting line-up, prompting manager Dean Smith to address his future publicly and outline the steps required for the winger to earn his way back into the team.

The former Aston Villa boss said: “That will be a conversation the front office will have [Abada’s future] with his representatives”

“My football conversations with Liel, where he can improve, what he needs to improve on, how he earns the trust, not just from the staff but his team-mates as well. The kid tries, he’s a good kid as well, it just didn’t happen for him, at times, last season.”

Conor Spence