Bogdan Planić Open to Offers, Considers Return to Israel
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Former Maccabi Haifa defender Bogdan Planić, 34, is a free agent and open to returning to Israel after his contract with UAE's Shabab Al Ahli ended. Planić was a significant player for Maccabi Haifa during their championship years, winning titles before moving to the UAE in 2022. He spent four seasons there, winning a double and reaching the Asian Champions League semi-finals. He is currently training with Shabab Al Ahli's reserves and considering his next career move.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Bogdan Planić, a former key Maccabi Haifa player, is currently a free agent and open to returning to Israel.
- Planić, 34, spent four seasons with Shabab Al Ahli in the UAE, winning a double and reaching the Asian Champions League semi-finals.
- He left Maccabi Haifa in 2022 due to a contract release clause after helping them qualify for the Champions League.
- Planić is currently training with Shabab Al Ahli's reserve team while seeking a new club.
- His past success with Maccabi Haifa has led to speculation about a potential reunion.
- He was signed from Steaua Bucharest after a contract dispute with owner Gigi Becali.
Bogdan Planić, a key player in Maccabi Haifa's recent championship era, is currently without a club and maintaining his fitness in Dubai after his contract with Shabab Al Ahli expired. Planić, 34, has been searching for a new team for the past six months and is reportedly open to offers, including a potential return to Israel, where he has fond memories of his time with Maccabi Haifa.
Maccabi Haifa signed Planić from Steaua Bucharest, taking advantage of a contract dispute with owner Gigi Becali. Initially met with criticism, Planić quickly became a fan favorite, helping the club break a title drought and win championships in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons. His departure from Maccabi Haifa was triggered by a release clause in his contract, which was activated after the club's third qualification for the Champions League in 2022.
At 30, Planić moved to Shabab Al Ahli in the UAE on a lucrative contract. Despite an early injury, he spent four seasons with the club, winning a double in 2024/25 and reaching the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League. His final official match for Shabab Al Ahli was a semi-final loss to Machida Zelvia, where a mistake by Planić led to the winning goal.
Planić is currently training with Shabab Al Ahli's reserve team and maintains good relations with Maccabi Haifa. His availability has led to speculation about whether he could be the solution to the Greens' current defensive struggles.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Only N12 so far.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
