Maccabi Tel Aviv Plans Squad Reinforcements After Europa Conference League Exit

Maccabi Tel Aviv was eliminated from the UEFA Europa Conference League playoffs on August 27, 2026, ending their three-year streak of European competition. The team, coached by Kenny Miller, lost to Lugano and will now focus on domestic league and cup matches with the goal of returning to Europe next season.

Despite the setback, Maccabi Tel Aviv is actively pursuing reinforcements, particularly in foreign player positions. The coaching staff prioritizes signing a foreign central defender and a right winger. Currently, the squad has eight foreign players, including Asante, Kamara, Sokler, Andrade, Blitz, Sissoko, Varela, and Nicolescu, which limits the ability to register new foreign players without releasing some. The club plans to release Ion Nicolescu and Cróvin Andrade, who are not in the professional plans, to make room for new signings.

Additionally, Maccabi Tel Aviv is working to re-sign Israeli midfielder Gabi Kanikovski, who has agreed to personal terms. Negotiations with his current club, Ferencváros, are ongoing. Ferencváros has recently indicated willingness to sell Kanikovski due to financial difficulties and decreased revenues, a stance they had previously resisted. Maccabi Tel Aviv expects to finalize the deal and bring Kanikovski back to the team.

The club’s immediate focus will be on strengthening the squad for domestic competitions while preparing for a return to European tournaments in the following season.