Israeli Premier League Summer Transfer Window Shatters Records

The Israeli Premier League's summer transfer window, which closed on Wednesday, saw record-breaking spending and player movement. Clubs collectively spent over 15 million euros on new signings, while player sales reached nearly 30 million euros, surpassing the previous league record set two years ago. The most expensive transfer was Douglas Owusu, acquired by Hapoel Tel Aviv from Red Star Belgrade for 2.2 million euros, setting a new club record. The priciest Israeli player moved was Niv Yehoshua, joining Hapoel Be'er Sheva for approximately 1.5 million euros.

Maccabi Tel Aviv was the biggest earner from player sales, bringing in 8.15 million euros, largely from the transfers of Said Abu Farchi to Colorado Rapids and Roy Revivo to Elche. Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Maccabi Haifa also saw significant income from player sales. Hapoel Ramat Gan was the most active club in terms of new signings, bringing in 23 players, while Maccabi Tel Aviv was the least active with only four additions.

A record 48 foreign players were signed during the window, facilitated by an increased quota. Hapoel Ramat Gan accounted for seven of these new foreign players, with Maccabi Haifa, Ironi Kiryat Shmona, and Bnei Sakhnin each adding five. Additionally, 11 Israeli players left the league to play abroad, while 38 players were promoted from the second division, the Liga Leumit, to the Premier League.