Erez Edelstein Reveals Maccabi Tel Aviv's 2016 Talks on Daniel Theis

Erez Edelstein, former coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv, disclosed details about the club's earlier interest in German center Daniel Theis during a 2016 conversation. Speaking on the Sport 5 podcast Spik'n'Roll, Edelstein explained that although Theis's name surfaced as a potential signing, financial and contractual complications prevented the deal. Theis's agent had indicated a buyout clause of $500,000 from Bamberg, but the club's management was hesitant due to existing contracts with players Rochester and Farmer. Edelstein said the management suggested spreading the buyout cost over three years, but he denied claims that he personally rejected signing Theis at the last moment.

Edelstein also mentioned that around the same time, the team considered another player, Yabusele, known from the French league draft, who eventually went to China for a lucrative contract. He noted that Maccabi sought established names rather than developing prospects like Yabusele. This revelation comes shortly after Maccabi Tel Aviv officially signed Daniel Theis, who will become the team's leading center following the cancellation of his transfer to Villeurbanne due to the French club's financial difficulties.

The discussion sheds light on the club's transfer strategies and challenges from nearly a decade ago, clarifying misconceptions about Edelstein's role in the earlier missed opportunity to sign Theis.