Matias Nahuel Reflects on Turbulent Time at Maccabi Haifa Amid Conflict and Contract Release

Matias Nahuel, who joined Maccabi Haifa in summer 2024 as the club's most expensive signing, opened up about his difficult period at the Israeli club in an extensive interview with Spanish outlet AS. Despite the high-profile transfer, Nahuel struggled to make an impact and was loaned out in January 2025 before mutually terminating his contract with Maccabi Haifa in August 2026.

Nahuel described the emotional and mental challenges he faced during his time in Israel, especially due to the ongoing conflict. He recalled arriving during a ceasefire, which soon ended, plunging his family into chaos and danger. "Three days after arriving, we had to move hotels because of imminent bombings," he said, emphasizing how the war made it impossible to focus on football. He also spoke about the pain of being separated from his wife and children for extended periods, both in Israel and later in Poland, calling it "an enormous pain".

The midfielder linked his injuries to the psychological strain of living in a war zone, stating he was constantly preoccupied with the violence around him. Nahuel expressed his desire to leave Maccabi Haifa during the winter transfer window, even presenting a significant offer from a Polish club, which the Israeli club rejected. He criticized the club for not facilitating his departure despite his clear wish to leave and his diminished performance.

Nahuel also described the constant threat of rocket attacks, the need to seek shelter during alarms, and the uncertainty of safety for himself and his family. He said, "Living with the fear that a missile might hit your home and that it could be the last time you see your loved ones is an experience I would never want to repeat."

Ultimately, Nahuel and Maccabi Haifa reached a mutual agreement to part ways respectfully. He was released without compensation and received his player card, making him a free agent. Looking ahead, Nahuel expressed hope to regain full fitness and return to playing football, saying, "My smile comes when I play football."

Summary: Matias Nahuel, Maccabi Haifa's record signing, struggled with mental and physical challenges amid Israel's conflict, leading to a mutual contract termination in August 2026. He cited war-related stress, family separation, and club disagreements as key factors and is now a free agent aiming to resume his career.

Points: - Matias Nahuel joined Maccabi Haifa in summer 2024 as their most expensive signing but failed to impress. - The ongoing conflict in Israel severely affected Nahuel's mental health and focus on football. - Nahuel sought to leave during the winter transfer window, but Maccabi Haifa rejected a Polish club's offer. - He endured family separation and constant fear due to rocket attacks and war conditions. - Nahuel and Maccabi Haifa mutually agreed to terminate his contract in August 2026. - He is now a free agent aiming to regain fitness and continue his football career.

Topic: sports israel_relevant: true Entities: {"people": ["Matias Nahuel"], "organizations": ["Maccabi Haifa"], "places": ["Israel", "Poland"]}