Agent Details Failed Stevan Jovetić Transfer to Maccabi Haifa Due to Security Fears
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Football agent Yinon Assaf Vaknin detailed how a lucrative transfer of striker Stevan Jovetić to Maccabi Haifa collapsed due to security fears following the 'Beep Operation.' The player had agreed to an unprecedented salary offer but ultimately refused to move to Israel due to concerns about attacks from Lebanon. Vaknin also discussed the broader challenges of agent work, including moving Israeli players abroad and attracting foreign talent to Israel amidst security concerns.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Stevan Jovetić's transfer to Maccabi Haifa collapsed due to security fears after the 'Beep Operation.'
- Maccabi Haifa offered Jovetić an unprecedented salary, which the player initially accepted.
- Agent Yinon Assaf Vaknin detailed the challenges of moving Israeli players abroad post-October 7th.
- Vaknin's agency, LIAN Sports, is ranked among the top five globally.
- Attracting foreign players to Israel requires reassuring them about the security situation.
Football agent Yinon Assaf Vaknin revealed details about the near-transfer of striker Stevan Jovetić to Maccabi Haifa, a deal that ultimately collapsed due to security concerns following the 'Beep Operation.' Vaknin explained that Maccabi Haifa was extremely keen on signing Jovetić, offering an unprecedented salary for the club, and the player himself had agreed to the move, even informing his wife. The transfer was facilitated by Vaknin's sister, Vicky, who also works in football agency and is married to AC Milan's sporting director. The deal fell apart when Jovetić, who was a free agent, became increasingly fearful of potential attacks from Lebanon after the 'Beep Operation,' leading him to refuse the move despite the lucrative offer.
Vaknin, who also brought players like Brazão to Maccabi Haifa and Forson to Hapoel Be'er Sheva, discussed the challenges of the agent profession. He detailed his own career path, starting as a personal assistant to foreign players, inspired by his sister who established their agency 20 years ago. He highlighted their collaboration with the international agency LIAN Sports, ranked among the top five globally, which handles multi-million euro deals, such as the €60 million transfer of Matías Fernández to Newcastle. Vaknin also shared an anecdote about being expelled from a club president's office in Bucharest by intimidating figures, later realizing it was a mafia-related incident.
The agent also touched upon the difficulties of moving Israeli players abroad, especially since the October 7th events, citing a "stigma" that limits options. He mentioned Roy Revivo and Tai Abed as examples of players facing hurdles due to their nationality. Conversely, Vaknin noted that attracting foreign players to Israel requires reassuring them about the security situation, countering negative media portrayals. He emphasized that Israeli clubs, particularly the larger ones, offer competitive salaries and good living conditions, making the move financially viable for many players. Vaknin also praised Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Be'er Sheva for their professional approach and noted Kiryat Shmona and Izzy Sheratzky for their exemplary payment practices.
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