Maccabi Haifa Plans To Delay Yarin Levi's Release Clause Amid MLS Interest

Maccabi Haifa is preparing for the 2026/27 season after a disappointing previous year in which the club failed to qualify for European competitions. The club aims to strengthen its squad to compete for domestic titles again. Central to these plans is midfielder Yarin Levi, who returned to Haifa after two loan seasons at Beitar Jerusalem. Recognizing his potential, the club wants to secure his place for the upcoming season.

Levi currently has a release clause set at 2.5 million euros, attracting interest from MLS teams ready to activate it. However, Levi prefers to wait for a suitable offer from Europe. Negotiations are ongoing between Levi's representatives and Maccabi Haifa to postpone the release clause until next summer in exchange for a salary increase. Haifa would prefer to remove the clause entirely, but Levi wants to keep it to maintain an easy exit option to Europe.

For now, Levi is expected to remain a key player under coach Barak Bachar through at least the next summer, likely playing a central midfield role. The midfield lineup is expected to include Bronninio as a guaranteed starter, with Levi competing alongside Ali Mohamed, Eitan Azoulai, and Navot Ratner for other spots in the starting eleven.