Beitar Jerusalem Secures Top Transfer Amid Cost-Saving Strategy

Beitar Jerusalem is set to acquire Alexis Serana for 550,000 euros, making him the club's most expensive signing since Almog Cohen became professional manager. This acquisition represents a significant saving of 45% from the original asking price of one million euros from Colombian club Medellín.

Serana's transfer exemplifies Beitar's procurement policy under Cohen, who was appointed in February 2024. 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 Carabalí arrived from the Colombian league, while Jhon Busco Calvo came from Sweden and Luka Gadrani from Georgia.

Beitar has also strategically acquired several prominent players on free transfers, including Omer Atzili, Sean Weissman, and Tomer Yosefi. Serana's signing marks the most costly acquisition during Cohen's tenure, a period characterized by efficient and profitable management, contrasting with previous ownerships. He is the most expensive player signed since Yarden Shua in October 2020 for 1.4 million euros.

This approach is notable, especially as other top clubs are spending unprecedented amounts. Beitar's strategy involves identifying and developing young local talent, evidenced by players like Yarin Levi, Daniel Workman, and Noam Mocha, and meticulously scouting players from youth teams. This thorough scouting extends to international prospects, as highlighted by the agent of Hassund Gonzalez, who noted Cohen's early interest in the player.

Despite occasional setbacks, such as the failed transfer of Luka Gadrani, Beitar's persistence has yielded results. The club 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 saw them spend 460,000 euros on players in 2024/25, 720,000 euros in 2025/26 (while selling players for 1.28 million euros), and 750,000 euros in 2026/27.