Maccabi Tel Aviv Nears Loan Deals for Players Nicolau and Ado to Free Foreign Player Slots

Maccabi Tel Aviv is close to resolving roster issues involving forwards Leon Nicolau and Henry Ado. Nicolau, who suffered a torn ACL and will only return to play in November, is expected to be loaned to a club outside Israel. This move aims to free up a foreign player slot, as the club does not want to keep him inactive on the bench. Meanwhile, Henry Ado, who was loaned last season to OFK Belgrade in Serbia and has not played for Maccabi this season, is set to be loaned to a Portuguese team.

The club currently has seven foreign players on its roster: Ali Mohamed Kamara, Tyrese Asante, Christian Blitz, Issouf Sisoko, Helio Varela, Crevin Andrade, and Astr Sukler. By loaning out Nicolau and Ado, Maccabi Tel Aviv will be able to sign one additional foreign player, a move the club hopes to finalize soon.

Nicolau, 27, was signed by Maccabi Tel Aviv a year ago and played 17 games last season before his injury, scoring two goals and providing one assist. Ado, 23, has yet to appear for Maccabi this season but scored two goals in 16 appearances for OFK Belgrade last year. The club plans to cover most of Nicolau’s salary during his loan period, aiming to maintain his contract while allowing him to regain fitness elsewhere.