Maccabi Netanya Striker Matheus Dabo Could Have Been Signed for Free, Agent Claims

Matheus Dabo, the star striker for Maccabi Netanya, could have been acquired by other clubs for virtually no cost before his recent success, according to his agent, Ziv Sternberg. Sternberg revealed in an interview with "5 Baavir - Ha'chadar Ha'chadosh" that Dabo was initially offered to top-tier clubs for a minimal fee, but they showed little interest.

Dabo has become a key player for Maccabi Netanya, scoring a hat-trick in his team's recent match against Beitar Jerusalem and netting 11 goals during the 2026/27 season. Sternberg explained that his agency discovered Dabo when he was not playing regularly, but they recognized his speed and power. "I offered him to first, second, and third tier clubs," Sternberg stated, "but clubs that wanted Dabo could have signed him almost for free."

Ovad Kadosi, then assistant coach to Yossi Abuksis at Netanya, spotted Dabo's potential, leading to his signing. Sternberg noted that negotiations became more challenging after Dabo became a regular starter in Brazil. He praised Netanya's efforts in securing the player, highlighting their early recognition of his talent.

Sternberg described Dabo as a "super-fast striker" capable of playing multiple positions and possessing excellent heading ability. Despite a busy summer with numerous inquiries from Israeli and international clubs, Maccabi Netanya has made it clear that Dabo is not for sale, regardless of the offer. The club has reportedly offered him a significant salary, unprecedented for Netanya players, and he is contracted until the end of the season with an option for an additional year.

With the recent change in ownership and the arrival of new players like Russ Katin, Maccabi Netanya aims to compete with the league's top teams. Sternberg indicated that European clubs made official offers this past summer, which were rejected by Netanya. He expressed confidence in Dabo's ability to have another strong season, stating, "We will cross that bridge when we come to it."

Sternberg also touched on Dabo's personal life, describing him as a 27-year-old family man with two children. He noted Dabo's connection to Israel, both religiously and culturally, and his enjoyment of exploring the country, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, even during wartime.