Israeli International Joins Celtic on Four-Year Deal
Celtic FC has made a shrewd defensive reinforcement by signing Hatem Abd Elhamed from Hapoel Be’er Sheva. The 28-year-old Israel international, capable of playing both center-back and right-back, has committed to a four-year contract and will immediately integrate into Neil Lennon’s squad.
Elhamed’s versatility addresses Celtic’s need for defensive depth, particularly with their ambitions in domestic and European competitions. His ability to slot into multiple positions offers tactical flexibility, a trait highly valued in modern football.
Hatem Abd Elhamed’s defensive prowess will bolster Celtic’s backline. (Image: Hapoel Be’er Sheva)
Why This Signing Matters for Celtic
Tactical Flexibility and Defensive Solidity
Elhamed’s dual-role capability allows Celtic to adapt formations seamlessly. Whether deployed as a right-back in a 4-3-3 or a center-back in a 3-5-2, his athleticism and defensive awareness align with Lennon’s high-pressing style.
European Experience
Having competed in the Europa League with Be’er Sheva, Elhamed brings continental experience—a critical factor as Celtic aims to progress beyond the Champions League qualifiers. His familiarity with high-pressure matches could prove invaluable.
Player’s Ambition and Fit
Elhamed’s statement reflects his eagerness to embrace Celtic’s ethos:
“Celtic is my club now… I want to do all I can to bring success to our supporters. I know the Celtic fans are the best around.”
His enthusiasm mirrors the club’s culture, where player-fan synergy often fuels performance.
Manager’s Perspective: Neil Lennon’s Vision
Lennon emphasized Elhamed’s physical and technical attributes:
“He is strong, quick, and impressed me with his performances. He’ll be an important contributor.”
This signing suggests Celtic’s strategy to blend domestic dominance with European competitiveness.
How Elhamed Stacks Up Against Celtic’s Current Defenders
| Metric | Elhamed | Jullien | Ajer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Position | CB/RB | CB | CB/RB |
| Aerial Duels | 68% | 72% | 65% |
| Tackles/90 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 2.3 |
Data sourced from Opta via Babu88 analytics team.
What’s Next for Celtic?
With Elhamed’s arrival, Celtic’s defense gains depth ahead of their Premiership title defense and European campaigns. Fans can expect:
- Enhanced defensive rotations to manage fixture congestion.
- Tactical experiments leveraging Elhamed’s versatility.
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Note: This analysis is based on current squad dynamics and may evolve with further transfers.
