Maccabi Haifa Defender Lisbat Issat Leaves for Bristol City, Vows Loyalty

Lisbat Issat, a defender who grew up in Maccabi Haifa's youth system since age five, is leaving the Israeli club to join Bristol City in the English Championship. The move was confirmed on July 7, 2026, during a training session where Maccabi Haifa's sporting director Lior Rafaelov officially announced Issat's departure. Issat emotionally bid farewell to his teammates and fans, expressing deep gratitude for the club's role in his development both on and off the field. "They pushed me to be the best version of myself," said the Romanian defender. "I am leaving, but my heart is not. The club, the fans, and this place are everything a player dreams of." Issat signed a four-year contract with Bristol City, with an option for a fifth year, earning £700,000 per season. Bristol City paid Maccabi Haifa €2.5 million, matching Issat's release clause, to secure the transfer.