Brazilian Prospect Isac Joins Maccabi Netanya After Rejecting Spanish Club

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

Sources in Brazil expressed bewilderment at the decision, questioning why a talented player would opt for the Israeli league over Spanish options at such a young age. "Isac rejected an offer from Espanyol, so how is he coming to Israel?" they reportedly asked, adding that it was "strange" and caught many by surprise. They further questioned whether moving to Israel was the "right offer" for a player of his caliber, especially when he had other opportunities in Spain.

Isac is represented by agent Marcio Bittencourt and has joined Netanya on loan. The Israeli club has an option to purchase him permanently. This season, he has appeared in four games as a substitute, without scoring or assisting. Last season, he played 25 matches and provided one assist.

The transfer is considered one of Maccabi Netanya's most intriguing in recent years, especially given the player's pedigree. For comparison, other Brazilian players who have played in Israel, such as Falcao and Chico for Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Matheus Dabo for Netanya, came from the second division in Brazil, whereas Isac arrives from a top-flight club.