Mohammed Abu Fani's Future Uncertain as Red Star Belgrade Considers Transfer

Mohammed Abu Fani, the Israeli midfielder who recently transferred from Ferencváros to Red Star Belgrade, faces an uncertain future just months after signing a contract until 2029. Red Star paid 1.5 million euros for Abu Fani this summer, but reports from Serbia suggest the club may seek to sell him quickly following a red card suspension and underwhelming performances in matches against Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

A major obstacle to a return to Israel or a transfer elsewhere is Abu Fani's high salary of approximately 750,000 euros per season, a figure unmatched by any Israeli player except Eran Zahavi, who earns about 1.2 million euros annually at Maccabi Tel Aviv. The total cost of the deal could reach 2.25 million euros if Red Star sells him for the same amount they paid. Red Star is reportedly planning significant budget cuts after failing to qualify for the Champions League and changing coaches, which could make loaning Abu Fani a viable option to reduce expenses.

Abu Fani has mostly been a substitute since joining Red Star and struggled to secure a regular starting position, partly due to the team's tactical setup under new coach Albert Riera. His market value has dropped from 6 million euros after his first season at Ferencváros to about half that now, following limited playing time last season. Israeli clubs like Maccabi Haifa previously showed interest but offered lower wages and transfer fees, which Abu Fani declined.

Red Star has a history of loaning or selling players shortly after major signings, as seen with Douglas Aveso, Milson, and Shavi Babika. The strong financial position of Hapoel Be'er Sheva and good relations between the Serbian club and Israeli teams could facilitate a return to Israel. Ultimately, Abu Fani's decision and the coach's plans will determine his next move, with the European transfer window closing soon and the Israeli Premier League's window remaining open until mid-September.

Summary: Mohammed Abu Fani, recently signed by Red Star Belgrade, may be sold or loaned due to high salary and limited playing time, with a possible return to Israel under consideration before the transfer window closes.

Points: - Mohammed Abu Fani may leave Red Star Belgrade shortly after signing until 2029. - His 750,000-euro annual salary is a major obstacle for Israeli clubs. - Red Star plans budget cuts after missing Champions League qualification. - Abu Fani has struggled for playing time and was recently suspended with a red card. - Israeli clubs like Maccabi Haifa offered less money, which Abu Fani declined. - Transfer decisions depend on Abu Fani and new coach Albert Riera before transfer windows close.

Topic: sports israel_relevant: true entities: {"people": ["Mohammed Abu Fani", "Eran Zahavi", "Albert Riera"], "organizations": ["Red Star Belgrade", "Ferencváros", "Maccabi Haifa", "Hapoel Be'er Sheva", "Maccabi Tel Aviv"], "places": ["Serbia", "Israel", "Hungary"]}