Liel Abada ends Celtic transfer exit talk after 'open conversation' with Brendan Rodgers as boss reveals key motivator

Brendan Rodgers has revealed Liel Abada wants to STAY at Celtic after a heart-to-heart with the Hoops winger.

The Israel star has been tipped for a Parkhead exit with Turkish giants Fenerbahce topping the long list of clubs watching the highly-rated youngster and he has yet to sign a new contract. But Rodgers has told the 21-year-old he would love to have him on board this season – and he can help fire the attacker’s game to the next level.

The Hoops gaffer said: “We had a nice conversation, a really open conversation, when I came in. He sat in the office and I just wanted to know what his ambitions were and what he wanted to achieve. He is very keen and he really wants to be here to improve. But he also understands there needs to be competition when you are at a top club. That pushes you.

"Overall I like his game when I was watching from afar. I like his runs and he has a real killer instinct in front of goal.

“You don’t get that many goals unless you want to score – which I love. There are other areas we can look at to help him get to another level.”

Rodgers admitted he’s a huge fan of Abada having been watching Celtic from afar when he was in charge of Leicester City. The wide man has been a smash hit at Parkhead following his £3.5m move from Maccabi Petah Tikva in the summer of 2021.

Abada has hit double figure goal returns in his first two seasons, with 15 goals in his initial campaign and another 13 last term. He’s also weighed in with several assists but struggled for starts in the second half of the Treble winning campaign under Ange Postecoglou.

Rodgers can see the raw talent he has on his hands and he reckons the kid – who has looked lively in pre-season – can kick on again. The manager said: “I like