Maccabi Tel Aviv Lowers Price for Varela Amid Squad Restructuring

Maccabi Tel Aviv is adjusting its squad following a 3-0 loss to CSKA Sofia in the third qualifying round of the Europa League. The club has lowered the asking price for winger Lio Varela, who scored at the recent World Cup for Cape Verde, to around 4.5 million euros. Current offers stand at approximately 3 million euros, and a sale is expected. Varela was signed last year for 1.1 million euros for 80% of his rights.

The club also faces potential departures of Amir Sehiti, who was loaned out last season, and Tyrese Asante, who may leave due to offers from Monza and Lecce. Maccabi Tel Aviv has signed only two players so far this summer: Dan Glazer from Kairat and Astr Sukler from Radnički, while exercising the option to retain Christian Blitz. The only foreign player to leave so far is Heitor, loaned to Újpest.

Currently, the foreign players in the squad include Mohamed Ali Kamara, Asante, Issouf Sisoko, Kerwin Andrade (whose future is uncertain), Varela, and the injured Ion Nicolescu. Varela started and was substituted in the 77th minute against CSKA Sofia, while Asante came on at halftime. The club still has significant work to complete its roster ahead of the new season.