Maccabi Netanya Sets Record Budget to Return to Israeli Premier League's Top Six

Maccabi Netanya owner Ross Kastin has faced much criticism since arriving in Israel, promising to restore the club to its former glory and dominate Israeli football in the coming years. However, this season Kastin aims more modestly for a spot in the upper playoff, setting a record club budget of 54.6 million shekels to achieve this goal. He assured coach Roni Levy last season that he would provide all necessary resources to bring Netanya back among the top six teams in the Israeli Premier League, and the club has undergone a significant summer overhaul to fulfill that promise.

Coach Roni Levy has strengthened the squad with key signings including Gregory Morozov and Dor Hugy from Beitar Jerusalem, Dolev Haziza from Maccabi Haifa, Nadav Nidam from Hapoel Petah Tikva, Alon Azougi from Bnei Sakhnin, and Portuguese goalkeeper Samuel Silva. Levy is still seeking two foreign players for center-back and winger positions, with winger Christian Nwakachuo initially agreeing to join but ultimately signing with Azerbaijan's Sabah due to visa issues. The club is also looking for a defensive midfielder.

A turning point came when Levy visited Kastin in the US in late May and received a firm commitment that no expense would be spared in building a strong team. Despite rumors of Kastin trying to buy cheap and sell high, Levy found his requests largely met, with some price hikes due to foreign players’ demands. For example, a player’s agent demanded $300,000 per season, triple the previous salary, as the cost of moving to Israel.

Levy emphasizes the goal of making the upper playoff and rebuilding the team gradually with an attacking, creative style balanced by improved defense. Unlike previous years, Kastin and Levy refused to sell key players despite interest from other clubs, including Be’er Sheva, Maccabi Haifa, and Hapoel Tel Aviv. Notably, striker Matheus Dabo’s €3 million price tag deterred Hapoel Tel Aviv.

The acquisition of Dolev Haziza, who accepted a reduced salary to join Netanya, is seen as a major boost. The club also values players like Maor Levy, Oz Bilu, and 16-year-old prodigy Yarin Abuhatzira. After last season’s disappointments, including missing the upper playoff and heavy defeats, fans remain hopeful, having already purchased 3,250 season tickets with a target of 4,000. Maor Levy sums up the mood: “The team is more connected and higher quality than last year, the atmosphere is good, and everyone is working hard to go as far as possible.”