Dan Glazer to Decide Between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem by Tomorrow
Dan Glazer is expected to make a final decision by tomorrow on whether to sign with Maccabi Tel Aviv or Beitar Jerusalem. After extensive discussions with Maccabi's sporting director Steven Vanharan, who arrived with the team in Serbia, and Beitar Jerusalem's coach Almog Cohen, Glazer is reportedly leaning toward returning to Maccabi Tel Aviv, the club where he developed. Previously, Glazer was sidelined from Maccabi's plans, released without compensation to OFI Crete, and later moved to Kazakhstan's Kairat. He understands that if he returns to Maccabi, he will likely be part of a rotation squad, at least while Issouf Sissoko remains at the club, though Sissoko's potential summer departure could improve Glazer's standing.
Beitar Jerusalem has offered Glazer a significant role in their squad and indicated that signing him would mean foregoing adding a foreign midfielder, with only a foreign striker expected to join. Glazer recently started for Kairat in a 3-1 win over Okzhetpes, playing 63 minutes, but his future there remains uncertain. His contract expires in about five months, and Kairat has not yet set a transfer fee for a summer release. Beitar hopes to sign him on a free transfer or pay up to 100,000 euros, similar to Luka Gadrani's deal from Kairat.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has directly contacted Kairat, complicating Beitar's plans, as Kairat may now demand a higher transfer fee due to the competition. Kairat's final decision on the transfer fee is expected today. Financially, both Israeli clubs offer similar contracts: two years with an option for a third, paying around 290,000 euros annually, compared to Glazer's current 230,000 euros per season at Kairat.
Beitar is preparing alternatives if Glazer chooses Maccabi, with candidates including Shai Elias or a foreign midfielder. If a foreign player is signed, it would be the last foreign addition this summer, as Eugene Ansah is expected to gain Israeli status during the season, allowing a foreign striker signing in January.
Meanwhile, Maccabi Tel Aviv anticipates further squad changes. After extending Dor Peretz's contract and potentially signing Glazer, Ido Shahar may seek to leave due to reduced playing time. The club is also preparing for the possible sale of Roy Revivo and is scouting for a foreign left-back. Among foreign players, Brazilian defender Heitor did not join the training camp and may leave, Ion Nicolescu might be sidelined, with a new foreign signing expected, and Amir Saheti's future depends on his decision to return to Israel. Cape Verde midfielder Helio Varela, currently at the World Cup, has attracted interest and may receive offers, casting doubt on his continuation at Maccabi.
