Charlotte FC Rejected Championship Move for Liel Abada
- Jorge Gonzales
- Dec 31, 2025
- 4 min read
Liel Abada recently went on ONE’s “Today’s Conversation” podcast in Israel to discuss his time at Charlotte FC, the struggles he has faced this past season, his near move to a Championship side in the summer, and what the future may hold. Below are some excerpts from the interview highlighting key points shared by the Israeli DP winger.
Please note: Google Translate was used for these excerpts, so the translations may not be 100% word-for-word accurate to Liel Abada’s original comments.
The 2025 season at Charlotte FC
When asked to reflect on his most recent season, Abada offered an honest assessment of both the team’s success and his personal struggles:
From a team perspective, it was a good season that ended in fourth place. Personally, there were ups and downs, and it was a less than good season mentally as well. In the end, the coach decides who plays and who doesn't. I work hard to give my 100% every practice, every game. In the end, it's always up to you: If you're good, you'll play, and if not, then you won't.
Liel Abada had a tough second season at Charlotte FC. In 39 appearances across all competitions, he recorded six goals and two assists, a production that fell short of expectations for a player reportedly acquired from Celtic FC for a transfer fee around $8 million, with a guaranteed salary of approximately $2.5 million per year.
The Israeli attacker also addressed the pressure that came with his price tag:
It doesn't go through my head at all (the fee Charlotte paid for him). I think I came with the starting goal of showing good ability to give what I know. Last season it was less, but it's also because I played less in the end, you need to play to show good ability to score goals and assist, and that happened less for me last season. I'm not saying I was 100% I could have done much better, but this is a season I'm learning from, and next season I'll keep going, I'll fix things. There are times when I would eat myself up from the inside, but I always believe in myself and want to improve, and that's something that has characterized me throughout my career.
Idan Toklomati's development
Abada also spoke about fellow Israeli Idan Toklomati and his journey within the club, including his early time with Crown Legacy FC:
At first, he wasn't with us; he was with the other group (Crown Legacy). Mentally, it was hard for him. I was always there for him to lift him, telling him his chances would come. The club told him to be patient; they'd take it step by step. After Patrick Agyemang was sold, his chance came, and he seized it. He has an amazing character, a good kid beyond soccer, and I'm happy for him.
Failed loan move to the Championship
Abada confirmed that Charlotte FC received a loan offer from Europe during the summer window, and the club rejected it because they didn't have a replacement for him:
Interviewer: We understand that few months ago, you asked to leave. Did you have an offer?
Abada: Yeah, because I wasn't playing and I wanted to go play, and they wouldn't let me. I respected their decision, but in the end, it turned out that even after I didn't play.
The Interviewer pressed Abada a bit on the league and team, and he let it be known that the offer was from the championship and explained why Charlotte FC didn't let him go:
Abada: Simply because it was the end of the window, then they didn’t really have anyone to bring in because there was like a day or two to close the window, and they didn’t have anyone to replace me. And they weren’t lying to me. I respected it, you know, I moved on. But you see, in the end, I didn’t play, and that really hurt me. But now let’s see what happens. I don’t know. From what I understand, they are very happy with me and want me to stay, but I want to play, so we will have to see what happens.
Interviewer: You have a contract here now (Charlotte FC), and they have to decide there's an option next season, and I believe they won't drag it till the last minute. Where is this going? Can you share without naming any names if there are teams interested in acquiring you these days?
Abada: Ultimately, it depends on Charlotte what they want, if they want me to stay or if they want to move me, but let’s see what happens. I don’t know right now. It’s still early. The window only opens in January, and in the MLS, you have until April. Let’s see. Right now, I’m starting the season with Charlotte.
MLS's growth
Liel Abada also spoke on MLS and how it's attracting more Israeli Players:
It's a very good league. People think it's a league for people who come before retirement, and that's not true. There are a lot of young people, and the level has improved a lot. There's a lot more money in this league than there is in the European leagues, and that's what attracts the players to come. The culture is different because there are more central branches: it's more of a show, and they come to enjoy themselves. There's not the pressure that there is in Europe.
A few crucial weeks lie ahead for Abada and Charlotte FC as both sides look for the best solution for the struggling DP. With Charlotte rumored to be targeting another winger and a center back, we could see the Israeli depart as the club looks to bolster its squad, while Abada searches for more consistent minutes.
Watch the full interview on YouTube here:
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