Beitar Jerusalem Secures Top Signing Alexis Serana for Record Low Fee

Beitar Jerusalem has finalized the acquisition of Colombian forward Alexis Serana for 550,000 euros, making him the club's most expensive signing since Almog Cohen became professional manager. This fee represents a significant 45% reduction from the initial asking price of one million euros from Colombian club Medellin.

Serana's arrival underscores Beitar's strategic recruitment policy under Cohen, implemented since the summer preceding 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 qualification for the Conference League this year. The club has balanced signing players with limited opportunities at larger clubs, such as Yarin Levi, Ziv Ben Shimol, and Uri Azoulay, with acquiring talent from less conventional leagues.

Serana and Bryan Caraballo join from the Colombian league, while Calou arrived from Sweden and Gadrani from Georgia. The team has also added prominent free agents like Omer Atzili, Sean Weissman, and Tomer Yosefi. Serana's transfer marks the most costly acquisition during Cohen's tenure, a period characterized by efficient and profitable management, contrasting with previous ownerships. He becomes the club's most expensive player since Jordan Shua's 1.4 million euro transfer in October 2020.

This approach is notably different from other top clubs, which are spending unprecedented amounts this summer. Beitar's strategy focuses on developing young Israeli talent, identifying potential, and paying development fees, exemplified by players like Yarin Levi, Daniel Workman, and Noam Mucha. The club's scouting extends to youth teams and international markets, with Cohen reportedly identifying Serana six months before his arrival.

Despite some past recruitment gambles not yielding expected results, like with Ailson Tavares or Gonsales, the overall strategy has proven effective. Beitar has progressed from relegation battles to championship contention within two years, spending less than two million euros on transfers over three seasons. The club's financial management has seen them purchase players for 460,000 euros in 2024/25, 720,000 euros in 2025/26 (alongside a 1.28 million euro sale), and 750,000 euros in 2026/27.