Maccabi Tel Aviv Secures Slovenian Striker Aster Sokler Amid Serbian Rivalry

Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to sign Slovenian striker Aster Sokler as their first foreign player acquisition this summer and their second overall. The Israeli club reportedly agreed to pay Serbian side Radnički Niš one million euros for the 27-year-old forward. According to Serbian media, major Serbian clubs including Red Star Belgrade, Partizan, and Vojvodina sought to retain Sokler, but Maccabi's stronger financial offer ultimately won the transfer battle.

Sokler joined Radnički Niš last year after moving from Scottish club Aberdeen, where he spent two seasons scoring 12 goals in 72 appearances. His move to Serbia revitalized his career, culminating in a strong season with 15 goals in the Serbian SuperLiga. Reports indicate only final details remain before the deal is officially completed and Sokler dons the Maccabi Tel Aviv jersey.

Sokler began his professional career in Slovenia and was sold to Aberdeen in summer 2023 for 350,000 euros. He was loaned to Radnički Niš last summer and then permanently transferred for 225,000 euros in the winter. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s swift and lucrative offer outmatched competing Serbian clubs, securing the striker’s transfer ahead of the new season.