Maccabi Tel Aviv Midfielder Ido Shahar Considers Future Amidst Reduced Role
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Ido Shahar is considering his future with the club due to a reduced role this season, despite a strong performance last year. Facing increased competition, Shahar is in the final year of his contract and may seek a move to Europe. The club must decide on his future based on professional and financial interests, with potential transfers of other players also influencing the midfield's structure.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ido Shahar is considering leaving Maccabi Tel Aviv due to a reduced role this season.
- Shahar had a breakout season last year with 17 goals and five assists.
- Competition from Gabi Kanyukovsky and Dor Peretz has limited Shahar's playing time.
- Shahar is in the final year of his contract and could become a free agent.
- A move to Europe is a potential option for the midfielder.
- The club's decisions regarding other players may affect Shahar's future.
Ido Shahar, a midfielder for Maccabi Tel Aviv, is reportedly contemplating his future with the club due to a diminished role in the current season. After a breakout season last year where he scored 17 goals and provided five assists across all competitions, Shahar is now facing increased competition for playing time in midfield. The return of Gabi Kanyukovsky and the established presence of Dor Peretz, along with the consistent performance of Isiaka Cissé, have limited Shahar's minutes.
A source close to Shahar described the situation as "frustrating" for the player, who is eager to maintain the momentum from his successful previous season. "Every player wants to play," the source stated, adding that while Shahar believes he can still earn opportunities, the difficulty in displacing Kanyukovsky and Peretz is prompting him to consider future options, potentially including a move to Europe.
Shahar is entering the final year of his contract, and if a new deal is not reached, he could become a free agent at the end of the season. The club's decision on whether to exercise an option on Cissé's contract could also impact the midfield dynamics and Shahar's prospects. Maccabi Tel Aviv values Shahar, but the club must weigh its professional and financial interests, potentially seeking to maximize a transfer fee if they decide to sell him.
Shahar's journey with Maccabi Tel Aviv has included loan spells at various clubs, including Hapoel Haifa and Maccabi Petah Tikva, and a stint in Cyprus with Apollon Limassol. Upon his return in 2023, he gradually earned a more significant role, culminating in his productive 2023/24 season. Despite his past aspirations to be a dominant player for the club, the current competitive landscape has led him to reconsider his path, with a European move becoming a more prominent possibility if his situation at Maccabi does not improve.