Prefer Jewish News on Google
Celtic closing in on signing of Arab-Israeli player Hatem Abd Elhamed
Scottish champions near to securing Hatem Abd Elhamed from Hapoel Be'er Sheva, but he may have to wait to play pending a medical and work permit
Celtic are closing in on their fourth summer signing but Hatem Abd Elhamed might face a wait before his debut.
Hapoel Be’er Sheva confirmed on their Twitter account on Saturday that they had concluded the transfer of the Israel international subject to a medical and a work permit.
The latter will not be a formality though as the 28-year-old has only made one international appearance as a substitute.
Elhamed has had spells in Belgium with Charleroi and Gent as well as having a loan spell in Romania with Dinamo Bucharest. He played with Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton and former Hoops defender Efe Ambrose at Ashdod.
The versatile player is thought to have been lined up as a replacement for Mikael Lustig.
Celtic are able to register two new players up until midnight on Tuesday ahead of the second qualifying round against Estonian champions Nomme Kalju.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
