Maccabi Haifa Targets Brazilian Defender Leo Santos for Next Season

Maccabi Haifa is actively pursuing foreign players for the upcoming season, with Brazilian media reporting that the club has identified 27-year-old defender Leo Santos as a potential signing. Santos, who developed in Corinthians' youth system, has played for several teams on loan and currently competes for Nacional in Portugal's top league since 2024. He has also represented Brazil at the under-20 level, earning five caps.

Despite having a contract with Nacional until the end of the 2026/27 season, sources claim Maccabi Haifa officials have contacted Santos to persuade him to join the Israeli club. Brazilian journalist Felipe Silva noted that Santos experienced the best season of his career last year, contributing three goals and two assists in the Portuguese league. According to Transfermarkt, his market value is approximately one million euros, down from a peak valuation of six million euros.

Maccabi Haifa's interest in Santos reflects their ongoing efforts to strengthen their squad with experienced international players ahead of the new season. The club's pursuit of the Brazilian defender highlights their strategy to enhance their defensive options with a player who has both youth national team experience and solid performance in a European league.