Brazilian Talent Isaac Joins Maccabi Netanya After Rejecting Spanish Club

Maccabi Netanya has completed a surprising transfer, acquiring 22-year-old Brazilian player Isaac from top-tier Brazilian club Athletico Paranaense. This move is considered highly unusual, as Isaac was a legitimate squad player in Brazil's top league, unlike other Brazilian players who have joined Israeli teams from lower divisions. Isaac is regarded as a very talented player, and his decision to move to Israel has caused surprise in Brazil.

Reports from Brazil question the move, with some stating, "Isaac rejected an offer from Espanyol, so how is he coming to Israel?" They further commented, "It's strange and caught many people by surprise. Throughout his career, both he and Athletico Paranaense rejected offers to wait for the right one, and is this the right offer?" Questions were raised about why a 22-year-old with options in Spain would choose Israel, especially given his quality and past performance.

Isaac, represented by agent Marcio Bittencourt, has joined Netanya on loan, with the club holding an option to purchase him permanently. This season, he has appeared in four matches as a substitute, without scoring or assisting. Last season, he played 25 games and provided one assist. Notably, Netanya also signed striker Matheus Dabo from Brazil's second division last summer.