Nimni: Goldhar Was Involved in Detail, and Naharne Made a Good Impression
Following Dor Peretz’s new three-year contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv, his agent Avi Nimni discussed the long negotiation, overseas offers, and the captain’s decision to stay. Speaking Thursday on 103FM, Nimni said Peretz had also been pursued by clubs in Zagreb, Ferencvaros and CSKA Sofia 1948, all of which offered more than Maccabi, but the midfielder chose to remain. "He decided to go with his heart, together with his head," Nimni said, adding that Peretz felt Maccabi was the best place for him.
Peretz, who finished the season as the Israeli Premier League’s top scorer with 19 goals, will earn a base salary of 525,000 euros net in the coming season, and 500,000 euros net in each of the following two seasons. Maccabi also has an option to extend the deal by two more years. In addition to salary, he is due bonuses for points, titles and European competition.
Nimni said the talks began with a large gap between Peretz’s previous earnings and Maccabi’s opening offer, but the difference narrowed significantly in recent days. He said the discussions were held discreetly with club officials, including owner Mitch Goldhar, who was "involved throughout" and, in Nimni’s words, "very much, down to every detail." Nimni also said Peretz wanted reassurance that Maccabi would strengthen and fight for trophies, not just keep his salary unchanged.
He added that Maccabi plans to sign Israeli and foreign players and that the club’s new sporting director met Peretz at home with Jack Angelidis. Nimni said he came away impressed by Steven Naharne after a half-hour private meeting with Peretz, calling the conversation good and noting their chemistry. He also addressed interest from Beitar Jerusalem, saying he never gave chairman Barak Abramov a clear answer, but believes Beitar will still be very strong next season. On Dan Glazer, Nimni said several clubs want him, but the main obstacle is that he is not a free agent until January, so his current club would have to be paid.
