Former Maccabi Haifa Defender Dylan Batubinsika Draws Interest After Greek Relegation

Dylan Batubinsika, the 30-year-old defender and former Maccabi Haifa player, is attracting interest from Israeli clubs including Maccabi Netanya after recently becoming a free agent following his team's relegation from the Greek Super League. Batubinsika played for Larissa in Greece last season but could not prevent their drop to the second division. He previously won the Israeli Premier League with Maccabi Haifa three seasons ago and appeared in the UEFA Champions League, including a notable victory over Juventus.

Batubinsika was also part of the Democratic Republic of Congo's squad for the recent World Cup but did not play in any of the four matches, serving as a positive presence off the field. His career includes a successful stint at Saint-Étienne in France, where he helped the club gain promotion to Ligue 1 and was regarded as a reliable and stable defender. However, he struggled to maintain a starting role in Ligue 1, eventually becoming a substitute and experiencing a physical altercation with a fan after a heavy defeat.

After falling out of favor at Saint-Étienne, Batubinsika was loaned to Larissa, where he quickly became a key player and was even named captain. Despite his efforts, Larissa was relegated. His physical abilities and experience in multiple leagues make him a valuable asset for teams like Maccabi Netanya, which aims to improve after a disappointing season. Other Israeli clubs and some Turkish teams have also shown interest, though his recent relegation may affect his market value.

Batubinsika's familiarity with the Israeli Premier League and his physical style of play could help him make a significant impact in the upcoming season, even if he is not at the peak form he showed three years ago. Maccabi Netanya is reportedly keen to sign him as they look to strengthen their defense under coach Ross Kastin.