Maccabi Tel Aviv Eyes Roster Moves Before Transfer Window Closes

With the Israeli transfer window set to close on Wednesday, Maccabi Tel Aviv is working to resolve its foreign player situation, aiming to register an eighth foreign player. The club currently has seven foreign players on its roster for the upcoming season: James Tavernier, Tyris Asante, Mohamed Ali Camara, Ismael Sissoko, Kristian Bjelic, Heliel Varla, and Ester Sokler. All except the injured Bjelic started in the team's recent 4-1 victory over Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

Maccabi Tel Aviv is actively seeking a foreign right winger and has made an offer to Morgan Bokele of Metz, though the player is reportedly hesitant to move to Israel at this time. While the team can sign a free agent winger after the window closes, they would need to free up a foreign player slot first.

Given that the injured Yonatan Nikolasco is not part of the team's professional plans, Maccabi is considering freezing his contract. This would involve paying his full salary, and he would leave as a free agent, whereas a loan would keep him affiliated with the club. The club has expressed willingness to cover his salary, with the possibility of selling him at the end of the season if he regains match fitness. Nikolasco himself hoped to return to play by November, while a club he was in advanced negotiations with wanted to integrate him in January.

While Maccabi initially sought to avoid freezing Nikolasco's contract, the approaching deadline may leave them with no other choice. However, ongoing negotiations with Hapoel Ramat Gan regarding Nikolasco could provide Maccabi with an opportunity to register an additional foreign player in the coming days.