Celtic FC Trying to Acquire Israeli Soccer Star

Biram Kayal will most likely not be a member of Maccabi Haifa for very much longer. According to Maccabi president Jacob Shahar, a number of teams have been pursuing the 22-year-old midfielder, most notably Celtic F.C. of the Scottish Premier League.

Maccabi Haifa and Celtic are reportedly close to a deal worth £1.35 million to transfer Kayal between the two teams. Kayal has not completed the switch thus far, which makes him ineligible for this week’s Champions League first-leg qualifier against Braga in Portugal.

“I have experience of playing in the Champions League, having been there with Maccabi Haifa last season,” said Kayal. “But this would be a more exciting chance to be involved in the competition. I feel I could do even better with this Celtic team.”

Kayal has made over 100 appearances with Maccabi Haifa after coming up through the youth ranks of the club. “This is the best time for me to leave Israel and try another country and another league,” he said. “This is a good prospect for me. I think I can be helpful to Celtic with the way I like to play the game.”

Fellow countryman Eyal Berkovic also played for Celtic from 1999 to 2001. Like Kayal, he too was a member of Maccabi Haifa in his younger years. “When I was younger, I looked up to Eyal. He was the Israeli player who made his way to the top of the game in Europe. He played in England and also at Celtic. I remember looking at him playing in front of the big crowds at Celtic and feeling very proud. It would be wonderful and make me to proud to think I could leave Israel and do as well as he did.”