Maccabi Haifa Nears Deal for Portuguese Winger Pedro Brazão

Israeli football club Maccabi Haifa is reportedly close to finalizing a deal for Portuguese winger Pedro Brazão, who currently plays in Turkey's second division for Bodrum.

Brazão was previously offered to Maccabi Haifa earlier in the summer, but the club's interest intensified after an injury to player Manuel Benson. Initially, Bodrum demanded close to 2 million euros, a sum Maccabi Haifa deemed too high, halting the potential transfer. Brazão himself also initially rejected a move to Israel, preferring to play in a more prominent European league, and other clubs showed interest but no deal materialized.

As European transfer windows closed, Brazão's options narrowed, making the move to Maccabi Haifa more appealing. Concurrently, Bodrum reportedly lowered their asking price by approximately half, making the transfer financially feasible for the Israeli club.

Brazão consulted with former Israeli league players, including William Cifrian of Maccabi Netanya and Dylan Batubinsika, who recommended the move to Haifa. Maccabi Haifa confirmed negotiations, stating their strong need for reinforcements in that position and emphasizing the importance of securing the signing. The club hopes to conclude the deal soon.