Maccabi Tel Aviv Plans to Retain Midfielder Ido Shahar Despite His Desire to Move Abroad

Ido Shahar emerged as a key player for Maccabi Tel Aviv last season, scoring 17 goals and providing five assists across all competitions. Although his contract expired this summer, the club exercised an option to extend it for another year and also offered him a new contract. Shahar reportedly wishes to transfer to a foreign club, but due to the contract extension, he is expected to remain with Maccabi Tel Aviv for the upcoming season. The club relies on him heavily, as demonstrated by his recent assist in a 5-0 victory over Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League qualifiers.

If Shahar does not sign a new contract by the end of this season, he will become a free agent and can move to any club without a transfer fee. Previously, Shahar gained international experience with 36 appearances for Apollon Limassol. A product of Maccabi Tel Aviv's youth academy, he returned to the club in summer 2023 after several loan spells. He is now entering his fourth season with the team, which could potentially be his last.