Haim Revivo Details Son Roi's Transfer Drama to Elche

Former Israeli football star Haim Revivo has revealed the behind-the-scenes story of his son Roi Revivo's recent transfer to Spanish club Elche. Roi, a 23-year-old left-back, has had a dream start in La Liga, featuring in three matches, assisting two goals, and playing against Real Madrid.

Haim Revivo shared on the "Revivo and Shachner" podcast that his son's move was driven by a complex mental state and a desire to advance his career, especially after a previous transfer to Copenhagen fell through. "I saw the mental state of my son, I saw him suffering," Haim explained, emphasizing that Roi felt left behind as his peers from the U-20 World Cup moved abroad.

The transfer was nearly derailed on the final day of the transfer window, but a last-minute intervention by Maccabi Tel Aviv owner Mitch Goldhar proved decisive. "You promised the kid, let him go," Goldhar reportedly conveyed to the club's management, a message that surprised Haim Revivo, who had never spoken to Goldhar directly.

Haim described the deal as financially unfavorable for all parties involved, with Maccabi Tel Aviv selling for less than desired due to Roi's Israeli nationality and lack of a European passport. He stated that neither he nor the agents received any compensation, and he was even willing to pay out of pocket for the transfer to happen.

The transfer involved a race against time, with Roi needing to undergo medical tests and sign before the window closed. Haim recounted an urgent flight from Israel to Alicante, arriving just in time to complete the process. Roi was integrated into the team quickly, impressing coaches and players alike, with manager Francisco Rodríguez having noted Roi's talent a year and a half prior.

Roi has also adapted to the intense pace of La Liga, contrasting it with the Israeli league, and is maintaining his Orthodox Jewish lifestyle in Spain, with Haim arranging for kosher meat through the local Jewish community.