Maccabi Haifa target Lucas Assadi may seek a move after Chilean setback

Reports in Chile say Lucas Assadi, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder linked with Maccabi Haifa, is now frustrated with his situation at Universidad de Chile and may try to leave in the current transfer window. Haifa had already shown interest in him in the winter window, and talks were renewed ahead of the summer window.

Assadi recently renewed his contract and received a salary increase only a few months ago, which had appeared to secure his future at the club. But after he was left out of the squad for three straight matches for technical reasons, doubts emerged about whether he will stay.

According to TNT, Assadi and his agency have decided they want to look for a new destination now. The report said, “Assadi is very frustrated by what happened to him recently,” adding that both sides are considering a change, especially because he is still regarded as one of the country’s most promising talents.

Universidad de Chile had previously refused to release him, which had blocked a move to Maccabi Haifa. That stance now appears to be changing. Assadi, who came through the club’s youth system, scored 11 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions in 2025, but in 2026 he has yet to score in 15 appearances.