Maccabi Tel Aviv Fans Optimistic as Striker Aster Sokler Joins From Serbian Club

Maccabi Tel Aviv has signed Slovenian striker Aster Sokler, who impressed fans in both Scotland and Serbia before joining the Israeli Premier League club in July 2026. Sokler began last season as a substitute in Scotland with Aberdeen, where he scored 12 goals in 72 appearances but struggled to secure a starting role. Despite this, he earned praise for his work ethic and memorable goals, including key equalizers against Celtic and Steaua Bucharest in European competition.

In September 2025, Aberdeen loaned Sokler to Serbian club Radnički 1923, where he became the team's main attacking force under coach Peđa Dodić. Sokler scored 15 goals in 29 matches, helping Radnički avoid relegation and prompting the club to buy him permanently in January 2026 for about 225,000 euros. Six months later, Radnički sold him to Maccabi Tel Aviv for a reported 1 million euros, a significant profit for the Serbian club.

Fans in Serbia hailed Sokler as a "maestro" and praised his relentless fighting spirit and leadership, while Scottish supporters remembered him as a dedicated professional who always gave his all off the bench. The contrasting fan reactions reflect Sokler’s professional growth, from a hardworking substitute in Scotland’s physical league to a prolific starter and fan favorite in Serbia.

Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters and analysts are optimistic about Sokler’s arrival, noting his tactical discipline, pressing ability, and adaptability. His style fits well with Maccabi’s possession-based, attacking approach, which differs from the more physical and direct style he faced in Scotland. Sokler also earned his first call-up to the Slovenian national team in June 2026, underscoring his rising profile.

Overall, Maccabi Tel Aviv gains a committed and versatile forward who has proven he can perform as both a starter and substitute, with strong endorsements from previous clubs’ fans and coaches.