Maccabi Netanya Pursues South African Winger and Other Transfer Targets

Israeli football club Maccabi Netanya has submitted an offer for South African winger Luther King, who currently plays for AEL Limassol. King, 29, has been with the Cypriot club since 2024 and has made 13 appearances for the South African national team, scoring three goals. Primarily a left winger, he can also play on the right. His market value is estimated at €850,000 according to Transfermarkt. In 65 appearances for Limassol, he has scored 11 goals and provided 22 assists. He previously played in Europe, including seven games for Copenhagen.

Maccabi Netanya is also still working to finalize the loan of Brazilian defender Sydney Lima from Portuguese club Santa Clara. Max De Giglio, a partner of Ross Kasten, has been leading negotiations for Lima, so far without success. De Giglio has become involved in discussions about potential transfer targets since Gil Lev was sidelined. Netanya is reportedly resistant to a purchase option of around $500,000, even though Lima is expected to arrive on a free loan. Partizan Belgrade has also expressed interest in the player.

In parallel, Netanya has approached Honduran midfielder David Ruiz, 22, who plays alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. Ruiz is under contract until 2028 and is not a regular starter. He has played in MLS for three years, having also played with Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez.

Meanwhile, William Cyprian may be leaving the club. He was offered a buyout equivalent to three months' salary but declined. His agent claims he has an offer from France, and the club is waiting to see if he will depart. Cyprian is not considered part of future plans, and his wife recently traveled to France to give birth, leaving him in Israel.

Until a new defender is signed, coach Roni Levy will have to manage with the current squad for the upcoming match against his former club, Hapoel Haifa. Basem Zaroura is sidelined for about ten days with a groin tear, and Itay Ben Shabbat is seeking a new team.