Abada stays put as the European transfer windows close
- TopBin90 Football
- 7 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Billy McGee
It looks like Liel Abada (24) will be staying with Charlotte FC, at least until the summer, as the transfer windows closed for most European leagues. The winger was linked to the EFL Championship and had a loan move rejected by Charlotte last summer.
The Designated Player has left a lot to be desired during his time in the Carolinas. Last season, Abada made 39 appearances across all competitions, recording seven goals and two assists while competing with Kerwin Vargas for the starting right wing position.
If the end of last season is any indicator, Abada will likely begin the season on the bench with Vargas starting. He will need to provide a spark as a substitute, working against tired defenders on the right to take some pressure off Zaha on the left. Abada reaching 10 goal contributions across the season would be an improvement in production on both his last two years in MLS, and could earn him more minutes.
Abada's attacking output will need to be higher to make up for defensive shortcomings and match the impact of other wingers capable of contributing defensively, mainly Vargas.
The Israeli will also have to contend with Rodolfo Aloko and Emmanuel Uchegbu vying for spots with the First Team after being acquired last year and signing contracts with Crown Legacy.
A poor start to the season for Abada, paired with an emergence of one of Aloko or Uchegbu, could set up a summertime move with other winger options available internally for the club.
Charlotte has a club option on Abada’s contract for 2027, meaning the DP winger likely needs to have a breakout season that starts quickly in the Spring for him to stick around next year.