Maccabi Netanya Signs Brazilian Winger Isaac Rodrigues de Lima

Israeli Premier League club Maccabi Netanya has officially signed Brazilian winger Isaac Rodrigues de Lima, the club announced Friday. The 22-year-old joins on loan from Brazilian Série A side Athletico Paranaense, with an option to purchase. His transfer is pending successful medical examinations.

De Lima, who can play multiple attacking positions but primarily operates as a left winger with a dominant right foot, made four substitute appearances for Athletico Paranaense this season without scoring or assisting. Last season, he played 25 games and provided one assist. Athletico Paranaense is currently third in the Brazilian league.

De Lima's salary is reportedly around 15,000 euros per month. If Maccabi Netanya decides to buy him, they would be obligated to sign him for three seasons. Club owner Ross Kassin has approved the signing and wants to find a midfielder, potentially at the expense of William Cyprian, who is demanding his full salary to leave, a request the club has refused. Maccabi Netanya has decided not to freeze Cyprian's contract to avoid a potential lawsuit.

De Lima began his football career in futsal before joining River-PI at 15. He moved to Fluminense's youth academy, excelled, and progressed to the senior team, making his debut in January 2023. He played 28 games and scored two goals for Fluminense's senior squad over two seasons. In January 2025, he transferred to Athletico Paranaense, playing 10 games in the second division and contributing to their promotion to the top flight.

Maccabi Netanya, managed by Roni Levi, is currently fifth in the Israeli league after three matches, with one win and two draws. They are scheduled to play newly promoted Hapoel Ramat Gan next Monday.