"Complete non-starter" - Southampton, West Brom and Watford tipped for disappointment in Celtic pursuit | OneFootball

Pundit Carlton Palmer believes it will be tough for Southampton, West Bromwich Albion or Watford to sign Celtic winger Liel Abada this month.

According to the Daily Mail, Southampton and Watford, along with clubs from Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, have enquired about a potential loan deal for Abada.

West Brom are expected to be the latest club to make contact with Celtic over Abada, and the Baggies are also said to be interested in his team-mate Mikey Johnston.

Abada joined the Hoops from Maccabi Petha Tikva in July 2021, and he starred as they won the domestic treble under Ange Postecoglou last season, scoring 13 goals and providing nine assists in 47 appearances in all competitions.

The 22-year-old has netted one goal and registered two assists in eight games this campaign, but he has been plagued by injury, recently returning after almost four months out with a thigh injury.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says Abada will have a big part to play in the second half of the season, but the Israeli international is reportedly keen to move on after coming under pressure from his homeland over the pro-Palestine stance of some Hoops supporters amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Southampton, West Brom and Watford are all keen to strengthen this month as they look to continue their promotion challenges, with the Saints currently sitting third, while the Baggies and the Hornets are firmly in play-off contention.

Palmer: Abada will stay at Celtic this month

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer said that he expects Abada to remain at Celtic Park this month after Rodgers' comments on the winger's future.

"Celtic's Liel Abada is attracting lots of interest for a loan move away from the club," Palmer said.

"From a personal point of view, he would like a move from Celtic in the short-term to ease pressure from his homeland over fans' pro-Palestinian stance.

"West Brom, Watford, Southampton and clubs in Germany and France are all keen to take the player on loan.

"Abada is on a long-term contract which is not due to expire until the summer of 2027. "However, Brendan Rodgers has come out and stated that Abada has a big role to play for Celtic in the second half of the season, and he got a tremendous reception from the crowd at the weekend.

"Celtic have no interest in a loan or permanent move in January for Abada away from the club, it is a complete non-starter from their end."

Southampton, West Brom and Watford may need to look elsewhere

Celtic are facing a big decision on whether to allow Abada to depart this month.

Rodgers is clearly a fan of Abada, and Hoops fans have shown their support for the winger in recent weeks, but off-the-field events could see him make a move away from Celtic Park before next week's deadline.

Abada was outstanding for the Hoops last season, and he is a player with huge potential, so it is no surprise to see a number of Championship sides chasing his signature.

But with Celtic keen to retain him, and competition from top flight clubs in France and Germany, Palmer is right that it could be difficult for Southampton, West Brom or Watford to get a deal over the line.