Maccabi Tel Aviv Nears Signing Gabi Kanichowski Amid Playoff Timing Concerns

Maccabi Tel Aviv is close to re-signing midfielder Gabi Kanichowski from Hungarian club Ferencváros, with negotiations progressing rapidly. Kanichowski, who previously joined Ferencváros on a free transfer after a successful season, is valued at around one million euros by the Hungarian side, which is demanding this fee. Maccabi Tel Aviv expects to raise approximately 5.6 million euros from the sale of Saeid Abu Freha to MLS, making the transfer fee feasible.

Kanichowski has played in all of Ferencváros's European League qualifying matches this season and started in their first league game. His absence from the squad in an upcoming away match against ZTE may indicate a significant step toward completing the transfer. However, due to UEFA regulations, Kanichowski is ineligible to play in the Conference League playoff round for Maccabi if he participates in the qualifying stages with Ferencváros. Therefore, the transfer must be finalized by September 2 to allow him to play in the group stage, assuming Maccabi qualifies.

Ferencváros might delay the transfer until after their playoff matches against Trabzonspor, meaning Kanichowski could miss one playoff game for Maccabi. Despite this, he remains in good form, having played 59 minutes in a recent Europa League playoff match. Maccabi's next league game is against Hapoel Jerusalem on August 23, and if the deal closes beforehand, Kanichowski could feature soon.

Kanichowski was a key player in Maccabi Tel Aviv's past championship wins, known for his playmaking skills and strong midfield presence. Last season in Israel, he scored two goals and assisted 11, forming an effective partnership with teammates Dor Peretz and Eran Zahavi. His return is expected to strengthen Maccabi's midfield, especially under new coach Robbie Keane, who previously coached him at Ferencváros. Kanichowski expressed readiness to return to Israel after a year abroad, eager for the new challenge under Keane's leadership.