HE KNOWS WHAT IT MEANS TO WEAR THE SHIRT’ – MARTIN O’NEILL REACTS TO CELTIC’S AGREEMENT FOR FORMER FAVOURITE

Celtic have reportedly reached an agreement with French side RC Lens to re-sign one of their former fan favourites in a move that could become one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.

The Scottish champions have been actively searching for reinforcements ahead of the new campaign and have prioritised the addition of more pace and attacking quality. Negotiations between the two clubs have accelerated in recent days, with reports suggesting that an agreement in principle has now been reached, leaving only personal terms and final paperwork before the deal can be officially completed.

Liel Abada, the winger who became a huge hit with supporters during his first spell at Parkhead. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Celtic have made significant progress in bringing the Israeli international back to Glasgow, with the player himself believed to be enthusiastic about a return to the club where he enjoyed some of the best football of his career.

Abada first arrived at Celtic from Maccabi Petah Tikva in 2021 and wasted little time establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in Scottish football. Blessed with blistering pace, intelligent movement and a natural instinct for goals, he quickly became a key figure in the Hoops’ attack.

During his three years at Celtic, the winger made 79 appearances and scored 21 goals, producing numerous memorable performances and helping the club secure major domestic honours. His ability to score important goals and create problems for defenders made him a favourite among the Parkhead faithful.

Before moving to Scotland, Abada had already built an impressive reputation in his homeland, scoring 20 goals in 67 appearances for Maccabi Petah Tikva. His performances earned him a move to Glasgow and eventually led to interest from clubs outside Scotland.

Following his departure from Celtic in 2024, the winger joined Charlotte FC, where he continued to demonstrate his quality by scoring 12 goals in 66 appearances. His form in the United States earned him another move, this time to French side RC Lens.

Since arriving in France, Abada has taken another step forward in his development. He has found the back of the net 13 times and established himself as an important player for Lens, convincing Celtic’s hierarchy that he has the experience and maturity to make an immediate impact if he returns to Parkhead.

Current Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has now broken his silence regarding the proposed transfer and admitted that the club would welcome the return of a player who already understands the demands of playing for the Scottish giants.

Speaking about the potential move, O’Neill said:

“Liel knows this football club inside out. He knows the expectations, he knows the supporters and he knows what it means to wear the Celtic shirt.”

“He’s a player with tremendous qualities. He scores goals, creates chances and has developed a lot since leaving. If we have the opportunity to bring back a player of that calibre, then naturally it becomes something we’re interested in.”

“Nothing is final until everything is signed, but he is certainly a player I’ve admired for a long time and one who could add a lot to this team.”

The news has sparked huge excitement among supporters, many of whom never wanted to see the winger leave in the first place.

Fans React

@HoopsFaithful67:
“Best news I’ve heard all summer. I was heartbroken when he left. Bring him back home immediately.”

@ParadiseBhoy1888:
“Twenty-one goals in his first spell and now thirteen in France. He’s a much better player than when he left.”

@GreenWhiteArmy:
“This is exactly the type of signing we need. A player who already understands Celtic and knows how to win trophies.”

@CelticMad1888:
“I can already imagine the atmosphere at Parkhead if he walks out wearing the hoops again. The place would erupt.”

@BhoysInGreen:
“He gave us some brilliant memories and now he’s returning with even more experience. Outstanding business if this gets completed.”

Should the final details be completed in the coming days, Liel Abada’s return would represent one of the most emotional homecomings in recent Celtic history. A player who left as a fan favourite may now be preparing to write another chapter in green and white, with supporters already dreaming of seeing him back under the lights at Parkhead once again.