Maccabi Netanya Nearly Signed Ben Mansford for Record Fee
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Maccabi Netanya was close to signing former Maccabi Tel Aviv CEO Ben Mansford as general manager for a record-breaking contract of 500,000 euros per season. The deal collapsed when Mansford received an offer from England just before signing. Owner Ross Kaston is now seeking an external candidate to replace the departing Gil Lev.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Netanya nearly signed Ben Mansford as general manager for a record 500,000 euros per season.
- The deal collapsed 24 hours before signing due to an offer Mansford received from England.
- Mansford previously served as CEO of Maccabi Tel Aviv.
- Owner Ross Kaston was prepared to invest significantly to bring Mansford to the club.
- Maccabi Netanya is now searching for a new general manager to replace Gil Lev.
Maccabi Netanya was on the verge of appointing former Maccabi Tel Aviv CEO Ben Mansford as their new general manager, in what would have been one of the largest deals in Israeli football history. The proposed three-season contract was reportedly worth half a million euros per season, a sum comparable to his previous earnings.
Mansford, who had not ruled out staying in the Israeli Premier League after leaving Maccabi Tel Aviv, was reportedly very close to finalizing the deal. The negotiations were conducted discreetly, with few people in owner Ross Kaston's circle aware of the discussions. Initial contact was made through lawyers representing Kaston and Mansford.
Kaston, who was in the process of acquiring the club from Eyal Segal, managed the negotiations through Moran Meiri, the Deputy Chairman of the Football Association and legal advisor to Maccabi Tel Aviv. Kaston and Max de Giglio, involved in the professional affairs of the "Aliyah" group, spoke with Mansford multiple times.
However, just 24 hours before the agreement was to be signed, Mansford informed Kaston that he had received an offer from England and requested permission to pursue it. This development led to the collapse of the deal. Kaston reportedly recognized the significant financial commitment he was prepared to make to secure Mansford, indicating his strong desire to bring the respected manager to the club.
Maccabi Netanya has confirmed the report. Kaston is now continuing his search for a replacement for Gil Lev, who has requested to step down. The club's owner is seeking an external general manager with experience in managing a football club, as any Israeli candidates proposed were not considered suitable.
Mentioned
