Hapoel Ramat Gan Eyes Maccabi Tel Aviv Striker Nikolasco

Hapoel Ramat Gan, newly promoted to the Israeli Premier League, has initiated talks with Maccabi Tel Aviv regarding the potential signing of striker Jon Nikolasco. Nikolasco is currently recovering from a significant anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained last December.

Maccabi Tel Aviv, who are looking to free up a foreign player spot before the transfer window closes in five days, have previously stated their willingness to cover Nikolasco's entire salary. The club has expressed a desire to find a humane solution for the player, who arrived from Heidenheim and scored two goals in the first half of last season before his injury. Freezing his contract was not ruled out as a possibility.

Nikolasco, a Moldovan international, previously played for Beitar Jerusalem. He anticipates a full return to fitness around November, following the international break. His recovery timeline means he would not be available for Ramat Gan immediately.

Ramat Gan has already signed foreign striker Marius Novisi this summer. In their recent matches, the team has fielded Matan Hozez, Luan Campos, and David Asenka in attack, having lost their first three games of the season to Maccabi Haifa, Hapoel Be'er Sheva, and Hapoel Tel Aviv.