Agent Reveals Maccabi Tel Aviv Contacted Yam Madar Before Hapoel Contract Exit

Mishko Raznatovic, the Serbian agent representing Israeli basketball players Yam Madar and Tamir Blatt, disclosed new details about a major transfer saga in Israeli basketball during an exclusive interview. The drama unfolded in the summer of 2026 when Madar moved from Hapoel Tel Aviv to Maccabi Tel Aviv, while Blatt switched from Maccabi to Hapoel, at least temporarily. Raznatovic revealed that Maccabi Tel Aviv contacted Madar well before he officially exited his contract with Hapoel Tel Aviv. He clarified that Maccabi had no involvement in Madar's decision to leave Hapoel, noting that Hapoel had multiple negotiations with Madar during the season but ultimately did not want to extend his contract, possibly due to his reduced role on the team at that time.

Raznatovic also described an unusual situation in Israeli basketball where both Maccabi and Hapoel seemed to know his conversations with the other team within minutes, a phenomenon he found unique and amusing compared to European basketball markets. He managed negotiations primarily with Claudio Coldabella and, following ownership changes, also spoke once with Mr. Rakanti. This insight sheds light on the intense behind-the-scenes maneuvering during one of Israeli basketball's most notable player transfers.

The full interview is set to air on Sport 5's "Sports News" program, providing a deeper look into the transfer drama that captivated Israeli basketball fans in 2026.