Maccabi Tel Aviv Lowers Price for Varela Amid Squad Reshuffle After CSKA Sofia Loss

Maccabi Tel Aviv is adjusting its squad following a 3-0 defeat to CSKA Sofia in the third qualifying round of the Europa League on August 6, 2026. The club has lowered the asking price for winger Lio Varela, who scored at the recent World Cup for Cape Verde. Initially purchased last year for 1.1 million euros for 80% of his rights, Maccabi now values him at approximately 4.5 million euros, down from earlier offers of around 3 million euros. Despite the price drop, the club expects to complete his sale soon.

Alongside Varela, Maccabi is preparing for the departures of Amir Sehiti, who was loaned out last season, and Tyrese Asante, who is attracting offers from Monza and Lecce. This means the team faces significant work to reinforce its roster. So far, Maccabi has signed only two new players: Dan Glazer from Kairat and Astr Sukler from Radnički, while also exercising the option to retain Christian Blitz. The only foreign player to leave recently was Heitor, loaned to Újpest.

Currently, the foreign contingent includes Mohamed Ali Kamara, Asante, Issouf Sisoko, Kevin Andrade (whose status is uncertain), Varela, and the injured Ion Nicolescu. In the recent match, Varela started and was substituted in the 77th minute, while Asante came on as a halftime substitute. The club continues to seek reinforcements to strengthen the squad ahead of the upcoming season.