Exclusive: Bill Hamid expecting contract offer from Celtic FC

By Chris Hummer, Potomac Soccer Wire Editor

Potomac Soccer Wire has learned that U.S. Under-20 National team goalkeeper Abdul “Bill” Hamid has a contract offer pending to join to the Celtic FC reserve team in Glasgow, Scotland. Hamid’s grandparents are European citizens, so no visa issues are anticipated.  Should the team and player agree to terms, the 17-year old would be expected to report to pre-season camp on July 2nd. The contract would be a Reserve Team Contract only, permitting him to play with the U19s in the Celtic youth system or with the reserve team.

Reached by phone this afternoon, Hamid confirmed, “They’re [Celtic] working on my visa right now. They’re putting together a contract for me and I hope it goes well.”

Hamid was discovered by a local Celtic scout while playing with the McLean FC youth team last summer. A trial was arranged in November in Glasgow, where he impressed the coaches before he re-aggravated a shoulder injury and was forced to return home early.

In December, Hamid traveled with McLean FC to the Disney Showcase soccer tournament, where he was spotted by Under 20 National Team Coach, Thomas Rongen. Rongen invited him to join the team on their upcoming trip to Mexico in January for the Copa Chivas tournament in Guadalajara. Unfortunately, he promptly separated his shoulder 14 minutes into his first start.  

Upon returning from Mexico and recovering from his injury, Hamid left McLean for the D.C. United Youth Academy in search of a more vigorous training schedule. It wasn’t his first exposure to the local pro club, as he had also worked out with United’s first team the previous summer. However, despite Hamid’s regular exposure at United a contract offer does not appear to be in the works.

“He’s still raw, and needs a lot of work,” said D.C. United Goalkeeper Coach Mark Simpson when reached by phone tonight.

Celtic may or may not agree with the three-time MLS Cup Champion Simpson, but they certainly seem to be willing to give Hamid the opportunity. Following two more international trips with the under 20 team, where Hamid manned the nets in a 3-0 drubbing of Northern Ireland in April and a 2-1 win over the Manchester United reserves in May, Celtic asked him back for another trial.

“After the England trip with the US National team I went to Scotland and had another trial. I did incredibly well, and they loved it so they began talking to my agent,” said Hamid of his most recent experience.

The contract is not complete yet, so Hamid was not sure of the details of the offer, but says his Agent, Chris Megaloudis of Long View Management, LLC, has been briefed by Celtic and will be sitting down with the hopeful teenager to go over the details of the offer as soon as possible.

When asked if Celtic would be his first choice assuming he agreed to the contract terms, Hamid said he had other options, but was clear, “Anybody in the world would want to play for them. They’re one of the best clubs in the world. I’m thankful to have the chance.”