Maccabi Haifa Nears Deal for Portuguese Winger Pedro Brazão

Israeli football club Maccabi Haifa is reportedly on the verge of signing Portuguese winger Pedro Brazão from Turkish second-division side Bodrum. The deal, which has been in negotiation for some time, is nearing completion after initial hurdles were overcome.

Brazão was previously offered to Maccabi Haifa earlier in the summer, but the club's interest intensified after an injury to player Manuel Benson. At that time, Bodrum's asking price was close to 2 million euros, a sum Maccabi Haifa was unwilling to pay, halting the transfer.

The player himself initially hesitated to move to Israel, preferring to play in a more prominent European league. While other clubs showed interest, no deal materialized. As European transfer windows closed, the option of joining Maccabi Haifa became more viable for Brazão.

Concurrently, Bodrum reduced their asking price by approximately half, making the transfer financially feasible for Maccabi Haifa. Brazão reportedly consulted with players who have played in Israel, including William Cyprian of Maccabi Netanya and Dylan Batubinsika, who recommended the move to Haifa.

Maccabi Haifa confirmed negotiations with the winger, stating their strong need for reinforcements in that position. The club hopes to finalize the deal soon.