Many Celtic fans have been discussing a news update about Hatem Abd Elhamed that recently emerged on social media.
The Scottish Sun have recently reported about Hatem Abd Elhamed’s situation at Celtic, saying that he will join Israeli club Hapoel Be’er Sheva soon. The report states that the Hoops will earn £800,000 from his sale.
Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Maccabi Haifa, Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv were all interested in signing the defender, but he has now chosen to return to his former club and he will now put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal.
Neil Lennon has also confirmed that the defender is now close to heading back to Israel. He revealed that the deal will happen soon enough.
Are Celtic wise to let Elhamed go?
Yes
No
These comments from Lennon were relayed on Twitter by Everything Celtic. Many Hoops supporters made their views clear about the defender.
What did Celtic fans make of this news about Elhamed?
“I know Hatem had issues with his wife not getting a work permit, but the fact he was going home after training, felt lonely and had no support network from the club doesn’t sit well with me. Staff wellbeing is a huge issue. Celtic have failed him imo.“
Credit: @Brady99John
“Was better than Frimpong for me. Now Ralston will officially be our only RB in the summer. Should’ve signed O’Donnell on a free for 6 months for cover.“
Credit: @TimesNowhere
“Think he played both Lazio wins, and in a win at Ibrox. Other than that, injury-prone and form nosedived quickly. His CV hinted he wouldn’t stay long – especially if family not here. Back to the drawing board.“
Credit: @TonyJPP1
“I blame Lennon. Players aren’t happy”
Credit: @BarryOsker
Elhamed arrived at Parkhead in the summer of 2019 for a fee of only £1.62 million. Some weeks ago, it was reported that the defender is currently living in Glasgow with his wife and son back in their homeland. He had found the situation tough because of the pandemic restrictions and as a result, he opened up to the club about this personal issue.
It was stated that the Hoops were willing to listen to offers for him and his exit depended on whether the Hoops could sign a potential replacement.
“Best of luck to him, he fell away but thought he was a really good player.“
Credit: @Frankie_FAC
“Cracking player but too injury prone. However, doing what’s right for himself and family should come first….he luck Hatem.”
Credit:@Paulmctumshie
“Gutted cause I really liked him, quality player but family comes first.”
Credit: @GaryD84
In the current campaign, the defender has made only eight Premiership appearances for the Bhoys. Only four of them have been starts. Even in the Europa League, he played three games and two were starts (as per Whoscored).
The Israeli clearly hasn’t been a regular this season and because he has had personal issues, perhaps it does make sense for Celtic to let him go.