Maccabi Tel Aviv Eyes Hungarian League Top Scorer Matko

Maccabi Tel Aviv's professional manager, Steven Beham, is reportedly targeting Slovenian forward Aljoša Matko, the top scorer in the Hungarian league last season, as a potential new signing. Matko, 26, scored 17 goals for Hungarian club Újpest last season and previously led the Slovenian league in scoring during his time with Celje. Beham is familiar with Matko from his previous role as professional manager for Hungarian champions Győr.

Matko's potential transfer comes after Maccabi Tel Aviv recently signed Gabi Kanyukovsky and James Tavernier, who are expected to debut in an upcoming match against Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Beham aims to finalize the transfer of Jon Nicolascu and secure Matko before the transfer window closes, seeking a right-sided winger who can also play as a striker to bolster the team's attacking options alongside Ester Sokler and Elad Madmon.

Újpest acquired Matko for approximately €500,000. While he garnered interest from Slovan Bratislava and some Italian Serie A clubs last summer, he remained with Újpest. It is estimated that Matko could be acquired for around €1.5 million. Notably, Matko previously played against Maccabi Tel Aviv for Celje in a 1-1 draw, scoring for his team while Kanyukovsky scored for Maccabi.

The potential arrival of Matko would likely be welcomed by teammate Ester Sokler, with whom he shares a friendship.