Maccabi Netanya Nearly Signed Ben Mansford for Record Fee

Maccabi Netanya was on the verge of appointing former Maccabi Tel Aviv CEO Ben Mansford as its 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, reportedly negotiated with the office of Moran Meiri, the deputy chairman of the Football Association and legal advisor to Maccabi Tel Aviv. Kaston and Max de Giglio, involved in professional matters at 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 news led Kaston to believe the deal with Mansford had fallen through. The club owner was reportedly prepared to invest significantly to secure Mansford, as evidenced by the unprecedented financial offer made.

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 looking to hire a general manager from outside the club with experience in managing a football team, and any Israeli candidates proposed were not considered suitable.