Maccabi Haifa Considers Delaying Yarin Levi's Release Clause Amid MLS Interest

Maccabi Haifa is preparing for the 2026/27 season after a disappointing year in which the team 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 seasons on loan at Beitar Jerusalem. Recognizing Levi's 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 several MLS teams ready to activate it immediately. 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's management would prefer to remove the clause entirely, but Levi wants to keep it to maintain an easier path for a future move to Europe.

For now, Levi is expected to remain a key player under coach Barak Bachar at least until next summer, likely playing a central role in midfield. The club's midfield lineup appears to have a guaranteed spot for Bronninio, with Levi competing alongside Ali Mohamed, Eitan Azoulay, and Navot Retner for the remaining positions.