Maccabi Netanya Nears Signing Nigerian Winger Christian Nwazuko

Maccabi Netanya is close to finalizing a deal with Nigerian winger Christian Nwazuko, who has impressed the club's management and coaching staff. The 20-year-old midfielder, represented by agent Satu Hachmon, currently belongs to English club Sheffield United and was loaned last season to Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv, where he scored four goals and provided two assists. Netanya aims to acquire him on loan with an option to buy, reflecting owner Ross Kastin's strategy to develop young talent.

Meanwhile, the club awaits the official signing of Dolev Haziza to a two-year contract, expected next week. Netanya is also searching for a central defender, but so far, all promising candidates are under contract with other clubs, prompting the team to negotiate lower financial demands to secure a signing.

Additionally, the club hopes that Aziz Awatara's agent will find a new team willing to take over his expensive contract, which would allow Netanya to bring in a foreign player for the defensive midfield position. In a surprise move, goalkeeper Omer Nirayon returned to training after completing rehabilitation, signaling to interested Israeli Premier League clubs that he is fit to play again.