Maccabi Haifa Signs Versatile Forward Andrea Novakovich for 2026/27 Season

Maccabi Haifa announced the signing of 29-year-old forward Andrea Novakovich for the 2026/27 season. Novakovich, who has no current club, previously played in Italy's second division and is the second consecutive summer signing from that league for Haifa, following last year's acquisition of Tribente Stewart. Born to Serbian parents who emigrated to Milwaukee during the Balkan War, Novakovich initially pursued basketball before transitioning to football, inspired by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

He moved to Europe at 17, joining Reading's academy and later representing the United States national team. In 2019, he joined Italy's Frosinone on a free transfer, enjoying his best years with 11 goals and six assists in one season. A subsequent transfer to Venezia for a club-record €1.2 million marked the only paid transfer in his career. However, he struggled to secure a consistent starting role, leading to moves to Lecce, Bari, and finally Reggina, where he was released after the club's relegation amid reports of a negative influence on team morale.

Despite scoring 15 goals over four seasons in Italy's Serie B, each with a different club, Novakovich has not fully realized his potential. Known for his physical attributes, standing 1.92 meters tall and capable of sprinting at 34 km/h, he is valued for his versatility, able to play multiple attacking positions and contribute defensively. He emphasizes teamwork over individual scoring and is expected to complement Haifa's attacking players like Manuel Benson and Yair Mordechai.

While his transfer value has dropped to around €350,000 and his recent performances have been inconsistent, Haifa views him as a strategic fit for their style of play. The club still retains proven scorer Guy Melamed and Stewart, who is not planned for next season. Novakovich's signing represents a significant gamble for Haifa, aiming to leverage his physicality and unselfish play to strengthen their attack. The upcoming season will be crucial for both player and club to validate this investment.