Maccabi Tel Aviv Eyes Hungarian Defender Levante Katona and Brazilian Leo Santos for 2026/27 Season

Maccabi Tel Aviv is actively working to strengthen its squad for the 2026/27 season following the confirmation of Kenny Miller as head coach and the contract renewal of Dor Peretz. The club aims to reclaim the Israeli Premier League title lost this season to Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Among the defensive targets is 24-year-old Hungarian center-back Levante Katona, currently playing for Hungarian side Nyíregyháza. Katona, valued at approximately 400,000 euros according to Transfermarkt, appeared in 29 matches last season, scoring one goal and assisting another. He has spent his entire career in Hungary and would be making his first move abroad if he joins Maccabi Tel Aviv.

In parallel, Brazilian defender Leo Santos, who was also offered to Maccabi Haifa, is another candidate for the yellow and blue. Santos, a former youth international for Brazil, played for Corinthians and Fluminense before moving to Portugal's Nacional in 2024. After limited appearances in his first season, he became a key player last year with 31 league appearances, three goals, and two assists. Besides defensive reinforcements, Maccabi Tel Aviv is also seeking a foreign striker and winger to bolster the squad.

The team recently played its first pre-season friendly, defeating Armenian club Alashkert 1-0 with a winning goal by substitute Dor Peretz. The coaching staff praised the team's intense pressing and defensive organization, noting improved attacking chances in the second half. Meanwhile, Itamar Noy joined the training camp after missing the trip due to personal reasons, and the club expects Anderson Andrade to arrive soon. Maccabi Tel Aviv is also monitoring midfielder Dan Glazer's situation, awaiting developments with Kayrat to determine his transfer value. The club is considering all options as it plans for the upcoming season.