Scottish League standout Abada signs with Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC completed a deal Thursday that will bring one of the top young scorers in the Scottish Premiership to the Queen City.

Liel Abada, a 22-year-old striker who has played the past few years with two-time Scottish champion Celtic, signed a three-year deal with the Charlotte club.

“Liel has been one of the most exciting young wingers in Europe, and we’re delighted to welcome him to Charlotte,” general manager Zoran Krneta said. “He’s an elite goal scorer and chance-creator who is a proven winner.”

Charlotte FC did not disclose the cost of the acquisition, but several Scottish media outlets put the price at the equivalent of about $10.4 million. The contract runs through the 2026 season, and Charlotte FC has an option for 2027.

Since signing with Glasgow-based Celtic before the 2021-22 season, Abada has totaled 29 goals and 22 assists in 112 matches. He was a big part of the team that swept the Scottish Premiership, the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup in the 2022-23 season.

Abada is a native of Petah Tikva, Israel, and is a product of the Maccabi Petah Tikva soccer academy. He has made 10 appearances with the Israeli national team.

Abada’s output dropped off this season. He scored three goals for Celtic and hadn’t played since a Feb. 24 match against Hibernian.

Scottish news media indicated Abada had been dealing with personal and family issues related to the Israeli-Hamas conflict.

Charlotte FC coach Dean Smith addressed that issue Thursday in a meeting with media, saying: “I don’t get involved in politics. He’s an Israeli international player who’s coming over here to play for us. But he’s a human being, first and foremost.”

Abada sent a message to Celtic fans Thursday on his Instagram account, thanking them for their support over the past few seasons and alluding to his personal issues.

“Recent times have been very difficult for myself and my family,” he wrote. “But I want to say thank you to all the Celtic fans that stood by me.”

Abada will occupy one of Charlotte FC’s three Young Designated Player roster spots, joining Enzo Copetti. The Queen City club lost two Young Designated Players last month, when Karol Swiderski and Kamil Jozwiak signed contracts with club teams in Europe.

Smith said he and the club were excited about signing Abada.

“To get a player of his caliber and the consistency he’s had in the last couple years with Celtic is a very big coup for ourselves,” Smith said. “He’ll add consistency to the final third. He scores goals and created goals.

“I think the last two seasons, he’s probably scored 10 and created seven or eight.”

Charlotte FC officials did not say whether they expect Abada to join the team in time for its next MLS match, Saturday afternoon at Toronto.

Krneta said Charlotte FC was fortunate to land a player with so much experience at a young age.

“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,” he said.

Krneta was referring to Abada’s appearance with Celtic in the UEFA Champions League.

Smith said Abada adds flexibility to the Charlotte attack.

He said the young Israeli forward is likely to play on the right side, because “that’s where he’s been the most fruitful for Celtic.”

But, he added, “He can play off the left as well. He gives us options. That’s been an area on our squad that’s been lacking a little bit.”