Maccabi Tel Aviv Signs Slovenian Striker Ester Sokler to Lead Attack

Maccabi Tel Aviv finalized the signing of 27-year-old Slovenian striker Ester Sokler from Serbian club Radnički Kragujevac for around one million euros. Sokler is expected to replace the injured Ion Nicolescu and spearhead Maccabi's offense. He arrives following a standout season in the Serbian SuperLiga, where he scored 15 goals and was instrumental in keeping Radnički in the top division.

Sokler began his career in Slovenia with Posavje and later played for Brežice and Celje, scoring 10 goals in 50 appearances for the latter. In 2022, he moved to Radomlje, netting 10 goals in 30 matches. His breakthrough came in summer 2023 when Scottish club Aberdeen signed him for about 300,000 euros. However, Sokler struggled to secure a regular starting spot, scoring only two league goals in 72 appearances over two seasons.

Aberdeen loaned him back to Radnički last summer, where he quickly regained form, scoring three goals in his first four games. Radnički exercised their purchase option for approximately 200,000 pounds. His coach Slavko Matić praised Sokler's attacking movement, work rate, and defensive contribution in high pressing, calling him a key player who scored nearly all the team's goals.

Sokler's strong performances attracted interest from other Balkan clubs, including Red Star Belgrade. Matić expressed confidence that Sokler could succeed at top Balkan clubs and in leagues such as the Netherlands and Belgium. After signing with Maccabi Tel Aviv and taking the number 9 jersey, Sokler stated he was proud to join a club with a rich history and high ambitions and vowed to give his all to help the team win titles and make fans proud.