Israeli Soccer Player Rejects Record Lithuanian League Contract for Hapoel Ramat Gan

Israeli midfielder Guni 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 previously played for Hapoel Jerusalem and Maccabi Haifa, and will reunite with coach Massai Dego, with whom he previously worked at both clubs.

Naor's agent, Adam Kenan, revealed that the player received a lucrative offer from Zalgiris, which would have made him the highest-paid player in Lithuanian league history. The offer was reportedly worth at least 250,000 euros per season. Kenan stated that Naor made a "very brave decision" to forgo this offer upon seeing Hapoel Ramat Gan's seriousness and long-term vision for him.

Kenan also touched upon Naor's potential eligibility for the Lithuanian national team, explaining that while he had been called up, FIFA had put the process on hold. Naor ultimately decided Lithuania was not the right path for him at this time. His move to Hapoel Ramat Gan was influenced by several factors, including coach Massai Dego and the club's offer of a two-year contract, with an option for a third year, even if they were relegated.

Regarding his departure from Maccabi Haifa, Naor was naturally disappointed by his lack of playing time but is described as intelligent enough to understand the club's direction. The agent noted that other players have left Maccabi Haifa under more acrimonious circumstances.