Maccabi Tel Aviv Eyes Striker Guy Melamed From Maccabi Haifa

Maccabi Tel Aviv is reportedly preparing to approach Maccabi Haifa regarding the potential transfer of striker Guy Melamed. The move comes after Maccabi Tel Aviv's recent 3-1 victory over Maccabi Haifa in the Israeli Premier League. Melamed, who was the league's top scorer three seasons ago while playing for Hapoel Haifa, has not been a regular starter under Maccabi Haifa's coach Barak Bakhar.

Maccabi Tel Aviv is aware that Maccabi Haifa may present obstacles to the transfer, but they believe the move is feasible if Melamed himself desires it. Melamed was absent from Maccabi Haifa's squad for their recent match due to injury. His current salary at Maccabi Haifa is reported to be $350,000, a figure Maccabi Tel Aviv is reportedly capable of affording.

While Maccabi Haifa would prefer to sell Melamed to another club, such as Maccabi Netanya, which has also shown interest, they may find it difficult to prevent the transfer if Melamed insists on joining Maccabi Tel Aviv. Melamed joined Maccabi Haifa in January 2025 for a reported fee of 375,000 euros. In his season and a half with the club, he has scored 22 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions. This season, he has made three appearances in the Toto Cup, coming off the bench twice.

In related news, Maccabi Tel Aviv has denied interest in striker Dean David, stating he is not a transfer target.