Barak Itzhaki Signs Two-Year Deal with Cyprus' Anorthosis

Former Beitar Jerusalem coach Barak Itzhaki is set to begin a new chapter in his career, signing a two-year contract with Anorthosis, a team currently at the bottom of the Cypriot league. Itzhaki is expected to arrive in Cyprus on Tuesday to finalize the details of the agreement. According to Cypriot media reports, Itzhaki will earn 120,000 euros until the end of the current season, with a monthly salary of approximately 80,000 shekels net, including additional contract clauses. His contract is guaranteed for two years, with a higher salary planned for the second full year.

Despite Anorthosis's current league standing, the club possesses significant financial resources. During negotiations, Itzhaki was given the objective of keeping the team in the league this season, a challenge compounded by a transfer ban imposed on the club until the season's end. Should he succeed, Itzhaki will be allocated a substantial budget to significantly upgrade the squad with the clear goal of competing for the championship next season.

Itzhaki pursued this opportunity in Cyprus after realizing that other coaching options at larger clubs were not available following the start of the season, and he was eager to start coaching without further delay. He has prior positive experience with life in Cyprus from his time as a player and is familiar with the environment.

A notable clause in the developing agreement includes an exit option with compensation, which is expected to be part of the deal. Sources in Cyprus suggest Itzhaki understands that while immediate opportunities may be limited, they could open up later, prompting him to retain the flexibility to leave the contract if he chooses. Itzhaki will initially travel alone, but it is anticipated that he will later bring an Israeli assistant coach who is a trusted confidant.