Agent Details Near-Miss Stevan Jovetic Transfer to Maccabi Haifa

Football agent Yinon Asaf Vaknin revealed details about a near-transfer of striker Stevan Jovetic to Maccabi Haifa before the "Beeper Operation" in October 2023. Maccabi Haifa, seeking to sign the then-free agent, offered him an unprecedented salary for the club, which Jovetic initially accepted, even informing his wife. The deal, however, collapsed when Jovetic became fearful of escalation on Israel's northern border following the operation. His wife vetoed the move, leading Jovetic to declare he would not come to Israel even for a significantly higher salary.

Vaknin, who also facilitated the transfers of Amankwah Forson to Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Jean Lucas to Maccabi Haifa, discussed the challenges of bringing foreign players to Israel, especially post-October 7th. He explained that foreign players often have misconceptions about safety in Israel, fueled by international media, and require extensive reassurance. Vaknin highlighted that while Israeli clubs can offer competitive salaries, the security situation and political climate create significant hurdles for signing Israeli players abroad.

The article also touches upon Vaknin's background, his law degree, and his entry into football agency through his sister, Vicky Vaknin, who is a partner in the international agency LIAN Sports. This agency is ranked among the top five globally and has brokered deals worth tens and hundreds of millions of euros, including the €60 million transfer of Matías Fernández from Lille to Newcastle. Vaknin also recounted a dangerous incident in Bucharest where he and his colleagues were expelled from a club president's office by security guards, later realizing the president was involved in organized crime.