Liel Abada has become the latest member of Celtic’s successful trophy-winning squad to leave the club and head elsewhere.
The Bhoys have said goodbye to Jota, Josip Juranovic, Carl Starfelt, Aaron Mooy and Giorgos Giakoumakis over the last 18 months – all of whom played a role in delivering significant silverware during the Ange Postecoglou era.
Abada became the most recent departure on Thursday evening, completing a reported £10m move to Charlotte FC following personal turmoil in Glasgow.
Brendan Rodgers has already lamented his departure, suggesting that Celtic are missing out on the Israeli international’s full potential.
Celtic favourites show support for Liel Abada
He’ll be missed by his teammates too, if the reaction to his goodbye Instagram post is anything to go by.
Joe Hart, Alistair Johnston, Mikey Johnston and Stephen Welsh were all amongst those wishing their best to the winger, alongside the previously mentioned Giakoumakis and Juranovic.
Hart stated he will “always support” the 22-year-old while Johnston made it clear he’ll be following Abada’s progress in the United States.
MORE CELTIC STORIES
Celtic defender Liam Scales also had kind words for his former teammate in a media conference at Lennoxtown this afternoon.
The Republic of Ireland international said: “Liel scored massive goals for the club when he was here. That’s what we will remember him for. He was a top player and scored big goals and he was part of a treble-winning team – he’s left a good legacy for himself here.
“We wish him all the best for his new challenge.”
Celtic will miss Abada’s direct goalscoring threat
Although Abada has barely featured this season, either due to injury or those personal issues, Celtic will certainly miss his goalscoring potential.
A fully fit, motivated Abada is a true attacking asset, arriving with well-timed runs into the box to punish opposition defences – most famously in Scotland against Rangers.
He has the right attributes to be a success in Major League Soccer and I’m sure plenty of Celtic fans will be keeping an eye on his career trajectory from here.