Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers opens up on Liel Abada transfer future after hands-off warning to Matt O’Riley suitors
BRENDAN RODGERS has issued a hands-off warning to clubs like Atletico Madrid and Girona, keen on taking Matt O'Riley away from Celtic.
And he's placed Liel Abada in the same bracket.
Israeli winger Abada’s Celtic future has looked uncertain following pro-Palestine support from Hoops fans.
It’s understood several clubs in England and abroad have been weighing up a swoop before next week.
But Rodgers has reiterated that Abada is a key player for him and he won’t be let go.
He added: “There’s nothing on Liel.
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“I know there have been stories generated for whatever reason, probably trying to second guess what has been going on with Liel.
“It’s very, very simple. Liel was out injured for a long period of time and he has gone back in and, again, he is a player I am excited to work with, that I can improve.
“He’s a player I spoke to very early on and he comes to me and we speak. His focus is very much on being here at Celtic and developing.
“Now, it’s natural with the difficulties that are happening in his homeland, you can’t ignore that. But he’s not someone we want to sell."
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While the impetus is on keeping stars like Abada and O'Riley, Rodgers has succeeded in securing another of his first-team on an extended deal.
Sunsport revealed Cameron Carter-Vickers had lucrative options in Qatar on the table.
But he opted to shun the riches on offer to pen a new deal at Parkhead.
He's had injury problems to contend with during this campaign - with the likes of West Ham, Brentford and Nottingham Forest all thought to be admirers this January.
But the American international agreed a FIVE and a HALF year deal to stay in Scotland until 2029.
He said: "I'm really delighted to sign this new contract with Celtic.
"I have loved everything about the club from day one and I am so pleased to have been part of some real successful times across the last few years.
“You always play the game to win and being part of some great winning moments with Celtic has been really big for me, a real honour.
“I have had a great welcome and support from the Celtic fans ever since I came here.
“We all know the love and passion our fans have for the club, there is nothing better than playing at a packed Celtic Park.
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“I’m delighted to be playing my football here.
“I have really enjoyed working with the manager, the staff and great team-mates and we will be doing everything we can to bring our fans more and more success over the next few years."
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