Brazilian Prospect Isaac Rejects Spain for Israel's Maccabi Netanya

Maccabi Netanya has completed the signing of 22-year-old Brazilian footballer Isaac, a move that has surprised many in his home country. Isaac, previously a legitimate player for top-tier Brazilian club Athletico Paranaense, chose to join the Israeli club despite having received offers from Spain, including from Espanyol.

Sources in Brazil expressed bewilderment at the decision, questioning why a talented player of Isaac's caliber would opt for the Israeli league over Spanish options. "Isaac rejected an offer from Espanyol, so how is he coming to Israel?" they reportedly asked, adding that "at 22 to sign in Israel when you have offers from Spain? It's strange and caught many people by surprise."

Isaac is considered a highly talented player. For context, other Brazilian players who have played in Israel, such as Falcao and Chico for Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Matheus Davo for Maccabi Netanya, came from the second tier of Brazilian football. Isaac's move from a top-flight club is seen as unusual.

Isaac has joined Maccabi Netanya on loan, with an option for the club to purchase him permanently. This season, he has appeared in four games as a substitute, without scoring or assisting. Last season, he played 25 games and provided one assist. This transfer follows Maccabi Netanya's signing of another Brazilian player, Matheus Davo, from the second division last summer.