Zarko Lazetic Lands Saudi Move With Al Taawoun

Former Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Zarko Lazetic has officially signed with Saudi Pro League side Al Taawoun, the club announced on Thursday evening, about five months after being dismissed by Maccabi Tel Aviv. Serbian reports said he had been courted by several respected European clubs, but the Saudi offer was too good to refuse.

According to the report, Al Taawoun offered Lazetic a net salary of more than $2 million per season and promised him and his family a high standard of living. The club was also said to be giving him full freedom to build the squad, reflecting its strong desire to bring him in.

Lazetic reportedly insisted that his entire coaching staff join him, and the deal was completed only after the club agreed and also promised his assistants high salaries. One special clause in the contract reportedly guarantees at least one proven reinforcements from Serbia in the next transfer window, selected by Lazetic.

Lazetic spent a year and a half at Maccabi Tel Aviv, winning the league title, but last season’s heavy defeats, including 6-2 to Beitar Jerusalem, 6-0 to Lyon, 4-1 to Maccabi Haifa and then 2-1 to Hapoel Tel Aviv in the derby, led to his exit.