Beitar Jerusalem Secures Top Signing Alexis Serana for Record Low Fee

Beitar Jerusalem has finalized the acquisition of Colombian midfielder Alexis Serana for 550,000 euros, making him the club's most expensive signing since Almog Cohen took over as professional manager. This fee represents a significant 45% discount from the original asking price of one million euros set by his former club, Medellin.

Serana's arrival underscores Beitar's strategic player acquisition policy under Cohen, which began prior to the 2024/25 season. Cohen, appointed in February 2024, has overseen a period of gradual improvement, culminating in a second-place finish last season and a third-round appearance in the Conference League qualifiers this year. The club has focused on signing players who had limited opportunities at larger clubs, such as Yarin Levi, Ziv Ben Shimol, and Uri Azoulay, alongside players from less conventional leagues.

Serana and Bryan Carabali were recruited from the Colombian league, while players like Calou and Gadran came from the Swedish and Georgian leagues, respectively. Beitar also secured several prominent players on free transfers, including Omer Atzili, Sean Weissman, and Tomer Yosefi. Serana's transfer marks the most expensive acquisition during Cohen's tenure, a period characterized by financial efficiency and profitability compared to previous ownerships.

The club's approach contrasts sharply with other top teams, which are spending unprecedented amounts on players this summer. Beitar's strategy emphasizes identifying and developing young local talent, evidenced by their success with players like Yarin Levi, Daniel Workman, and Noam Mocha. This focus on youth development is complemented by thorough scouting of players from youth academies and international markets.

Cohen and CEO Kfir Edri have been instrumental in negotiating these deals, demonstrating a patient and persistent approach. This was also seen in the acquisition of Luka Gadran, where Beitar waited for favorable conditions after an initial deal was blocked. While this "stubbornness" can sometimes be a drawback, Beitar's results speak for themselves, having risen from relegation battles to championship contention within two years on a limited budget.