Celtic sign international full-back on four-year deal

Celtic have announced the signing of Hatem Abd Elhamed on a four-year contract.

The right-back joins the Hoops from Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

The 27-year-old told the club’s website: “It is an absolute honour to sign for this great club, one of the world’s truly great football clubs and I could not be happier.

“When you play football you want to climb to the top and be the best you can be, and I know that I have found the best place for me – a club that has a tradition of playing quick, attacking, exciting and successful football and I am delighted that I am going to be part of this.

“Celtic is my club now and I want to do all I can to continue to bring success to our supporters.  I know the Celtic fans are the best around and I can’t wait to meet them, to pull on the famous Celtic jersey and play in front of them. I will give everything to the club.”

Right-back… Announced ✅

Hatem Abd Elhamed has joined #CelticFC from Hapoel Be’er Sheva on a four-year contract! #WelcomeHatem ?⚪️

➡️ https://t.co/U7mdH0mX02 pic.twitter.com/YjVR8lAEY5

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 24, 2019

Abd Elhamed played 27 times last season for Hapoel Be’er Sheva, who finished third in the Israeli top flight.

With one cap for Israel, the defender can play either at full-back on in the centre of defence and has also played for Gent and Dinamo Bucharest.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon said: “We are really pleased to bring Hatem to Celtic, another player we think can make an important contribution to the club.

“He is a player with real attributes, he is strong and quick and I have been impressed with what I have seen of him. We look forward to welcoming him to Celtic and joining up with the squad.”