Israeli Soccer Player Rejects Record Lithuanian League Contract for Israeli Club

Israeli midfielder Goni Naor has signed with Hapoel Ramat Gan, his fourth club in Israel. Naor was released from Maccabi Haifa a year before his contract expired, following a loan spell in Greece last season. He will reunite with coach Masa Dagou, with whom he previously worked at Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Naor's agent, Adam Keinan, revealed that the player received a lucrative offer from Zalgiris, which would have made him the highest-paid player in the history of the Lithuanian league. The offer reportedly amounted to at least 250,000 euros per season, significantly higher than the typical 4,000 to 6,000 euros net monthly salary for players in the league. Despite the financial incentive, Naor made the "very brave decision" to turn down the offer.

Keinan explained that Naor's decision was influenced by Hapoel Ramat Gan's serious commitment to him as a long-term project. The club offered him a two-year contract, including security even if they were relegated, and an option for a third year based on playing time. Naor also cited his desire for stability and his positive working relationship with coach Dagou as key factors.

Regarding his previous club, Maccabi Haifa, Naor is naturally disappointed about not playing but is intelligent enough to understand the team's direction. The agent noted that other players have left Maccabi Haifa under more acrimonious circumstances.

Additionally, Naor had been called up to the Lithuanian national team, but FIFA has put the process on hold despite his documentation, making his international future uncertain. Ultimately, Naor decided that Lithuania was not the right path for him at this time.