Maccabi Tel Aviv Striker Ion Nicolaescu Could Join Beitar Jerusalem

The future of Maccabi Tel Aviv striker Ion Nicolaescu with the club is uncertain, according to his agent, Rafi Epstein. Nicolaescu is currently recovering from an injury sustained during a match, with Epstein stating he is nearing the end of his rehabilitation. The player is expected to be back on the field within a month to a month and a half, aiming for full training by October and a return to playing 90 minutes by November, based on his own feelings and medical advice.

Epstein emphasized that Nicolaescu is unwilling to join a team that would register him only to play in January, preferring to find an opportunity to play immediately after his recovery. He expressed strong confidence in the player's abilities, stating, "I guarantee live on air, he will not only contribute, he will be a senior player." Epstein also attributed much of the credit for Nicolaescu's recovery to coach Zlatko Dalic, saying, "Zlatko Dalic killed the guy, we'll make it as short as possible. Most of the 'credit' goes to Dalic in this case."

While a Romanian team has expressed interest in signing Nicolaescu now, they can only register him in January. When asked about the possibility of Nicolaescu joining Beitar Jerusalem, Epstein responded, "It's not far-fetched." He also indicated that Maccabi Tel Aviv would be open to releasing Nicolaescu to another Israeli team, provided there is space in their squad, with the exception of a few clubs that are unlikely to pursue him anyway.