Maccabi Haifa Set to Sign Defender Nigel Lonwijk for 600,000 Euros

Maccabi Haifa is poised to finalize the acquisition of defender Nigel Lonwijk from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a transfer fee of 600,000 euros. Negotiations between the clubs have been ongoing for several days, with initial talks with the player starting about a month ago. The discussions were prolonged mainly due to the English club's conditions and the player's contract terms. Despite his relatively young age, Lonwijk has played for multiple teams, but Haifa's coaching staff is confident he will significantly strengthen their defensive lineup. The club values Lonwijk's speed and strength, qualities they sought in a new defender.

Lonwijk is close to agreeing on a salary estimated at around 400,000 euros annually, excluding bonuses. Haifa hopes to complete the final details within the next 24 hours and bring the player to Israel by early next week to conclude the deal. If the transfer proceeds as planned, Haifa will have nearly completed their squad for the upcoming season. The only remaining question is whether to loan out Dixon Mohammed, who is expected to officially join in September, and possibly sign an additional foreign winger, or keep Mohammed's younger brother in the squad. The younger Mohammed, who is already in Israel but currently ill, will train with the team until he turns 18 on September 16, when he can sign a professional contract.