Maccabi Haifa's Record Signing Bruninho Proves Instant Impact

Maccabi Haifa's summer acquisition of Brazilian midfielder Bruninho from Karpaty Lviv for 1.7 million euros is proving to be a significant investment, with the player making an immediate impact. In his first three league matches, Bruninho scored three goals and provided an assist, single-handedly securing a win against Hapoel Ramat Gan and contributing significantly in other games. He is currently considered Maccabi Haifa's leading player, consistently performing even when the team struggles and ensuring crucial points are secured.

Bruninho was close to joining Maccabi Haifa in January, having agreed to personal terms and expressed a strong desire to play in Israel. However, the transfer was complicated by Atletico Mineiro, his former club, retaining a percentage of any future sale. Maccabi Haifa struggled to reach an agreement with the Ukrainian and Brazilian clubs over the transfer fee. At one point, Ukrainian club Metalist Kharkiv, known for its financial resources, was prepared to offer a higher sum than Maccabi Haifa, and the deal was reportedly finalized with Bruninho undergoing medical tests in Kharkiv.

Ultimately, Bruninho's transfer to Kharkiv was halted when his wife vetoed the move due to the security situation in Ukraine, leading him to finish the season in Lviv. Throughout this period, Maccabi Haifa maintained contact with the player. The club also pursued Chilean midfielder Lucas Assadi, who eventually signed with Swedish club AIK for 2 million euros. Maccabi Haifa coach Barak Bakhar insisted on acquiring Bruninho, recognizing the team's need for a playmaker capable of taking charge, threatening the goal from distance, and controlling the game, a role previously filled by Chaison Shery and Dia Saba.

Following the collapse of the Kharkiv deal, negotiations with Bruninho resumed. The player reiterated his desire to join Maccabi Haifa, leading to a final agreement of 1.6 million euros for the transfer fee and a seasonal salary of 400,000 euros, making him one of the club's highest earners. Maccabi Haifa management believes they have made an excellent acquisition, as Bruninho has integrated well both professionally and socially, appearing to enjoy his life in Israel. Some in Israeli football have already labeled him the league's best player.

Maccabi Haifa hopes Bruninho will emulate the success of past playmakers like Shery and lead the club to achievements both domestically and internationally. The club's fans have responded enthusiastically to the exciting Brazilian, and a sense of calm and anticipation is palpable in the stadium when he has possession of the ball.