Charlotte FC sign Liel Abada for club-record transfer fee from Celtic

Charlotte FC have bolstered their front line with the signing of Liel Abada from Scottish Premier League giants Celtic for a club-record transfer fee.

Abada joins the Crown as a Young Designated Played for a reported fee of around $8m, according to MLS insider Tom Bogert of The Athletic.

The move for the 22-year-old right-winger comes after forwards Kamil Jozwiak and Karol Swiderski departed Bank of America Stadium earlier this offseason, with the latter leaving on loan to return in the summer. Abada joins Charlotte’s talisman Enzo Copetti as the team’s second Designated Player on the books.

Abada has gained plenty of experience in his young career in competitions like the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. The left-footed player recorded 29 goals and 22 assists in 112 appearances in all competitions for Celtic after joining in July 2021, having previously notched 30 goal involvements in 76 appearances for Maccabi Petah Tikva in his native Israel.

“Liel has been one of the most exciting young wingers in Europe and we’re delighted to welcome him to Charlotte. He’s an elite goalscorer and chance creator who is a proven winner that is determined to bring trophies home to the club and our supporters,” Charlotte general manager Zoran Krneta said in a release.

“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.”

On the international stage, Abada has tallied one goal and two assists in ten appearances for Israel.

Abada also brings a winning mentality to a team who qualified for MLS Cup playoffs for the first time ever in their second season in MLS. The Crown’s newest addition lifted one Scottish FA Cup, two League Cups and two Scottish Premiership titles during his time with Celtic.

Charlotte return to MLS action this Saturday as they head north of the border to take on Canadian side Toronto FC at BMO Field.