Former Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Dan Glazer, now in the final stretch of his time abroad, has emerged as a possible summer target for Beitar Jerusalem. His contract with Kairat expires in December, and after three seasons overseas he may be considering a return to Israel. Last season he was a regular starter in the Champions League for Kairat, including matches against Copenhagen, Pafos and Arsenal.
Glazer’s overseas spell has changed how he is viewed. Once known mainly as a defensive midfielder and a former Liga Ha’Al Player of the Season, he has developed into a more complete player. In Kazakhstan he played alongside former teammate Ofri Arad, and that Israeli connection helped him settle at a club that is usually dominant domestically and aims for the title every year.
Kairat began its Champions League qualifying run in the first round and eliminated Olimpija, KuPS, Slovan Bratislava and Celtic. Glazer started the last three of those matches and became a fan favorite despite being tackled hard in a league game and playing through injury in European qualifiers. In an interview with Moti Pashkatzki on 5 O’clock, News Room, he said, “They give us a lot of respect,” and added, “It surprises us in a good way.”
He started five Champions League matches in total and stood out in the scoreless draw with Pafos, where he delivered two key passes. After recovering from injury, he returned to Kairat’s lineup in early May as the club pushed toward another league title. He has no goals abroad, but his role has shifted higher up the pitch, where he has been able to win the ball and launch attacks more quickly. That evolution is one reason some at Beitar believe he could be a better midfield fit than Dor Peretz, especially if Adi Yona and Ziv Ben Shimon stay for another season, and alongside Boris Ino he could help create a stronger, more balanced midfield.
