Maccabi Haifa Signs Dutch Defender Nigel Lonwijk for Three Years

Maccabi Haifa has announced the signing of Dutch central defender Nigel Lonwijk on a three-year contract. Lonwijk joins the Israeli Premier League club following the departure of Senegalese defender Abdoulaye Seck, who left for Al-Faisaly in the Saudi league after four years with Haifa.

Lonwijk, 23, developed in the PSV Eindhoven academy before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League. He spent the last season at Luton Town in the English Championship, making 46 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing one assist. Prior to Luton, he played for Plymouth Argyle, Wycombe Wanderers, and Huddersfield Town, contributing to Plymouth's promotion from League Two to the Championship.

Upon signing, Lonwijk expressed his excitement, stating, "I am happy to sign for the biggest club in Israel and wear the green jersey. I come with a great hunger to succeed, work hard, and help the team achieve all its goals this season." His arrival is expected to fill the central defense role vacated by Seck, who recently participated in the World Cup with Senegal and will now compete in Saudi Arabia alongside stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane.

Maccabi Haifa continues to strengthen its squad as it aims for success in the upcoming season.