Maccabi Tel Aviv Shakes Up Squad After Strong Start

Following a significant victory over Maccabi Haifa, Maccabi Tel Aviv is making substantial changes to its player roster. The team has seen the return of Gabi Kancepolsky, while Roy Revivo and Seid Abu Farhi are departing. After a quiet summer with only two signings, the return of Dan Glazer and the acquisition of striker Skulker, Maccabi Tel Aviv appeared to be stagnant. While rivals like Beitar Jerusalem retained their core squad and made targeted reinforcements, and both Beer Sheva and Maccabi Haifa made numerous signings, even Hapoel Tel Aviv brought in more players. Maccabi Tel Aviv seemed to lag behind, especially after a disappointing previous season where their European campaign failures highlighted the need for squad strengthening.

On Tuesday evening, the club announced the departures of two key players from the past season: defender Roy Revivo and striker Seid Abu Farhi. Abu Farhi is moving to Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids for $6 million, joining a growing contingent of Israeli players in the American league, including former teammates Dor Turgeman, Liel Abada, and Idan Toklomati. Revivo, 23, has been transferred to Spanish club Elche. Revivo, son of former player Haim Revivo and a product of Maccabi's youth academy, made his senior debut at 18 and became a leading star for Maccabi in the last two years. Despite previous attempts to move abroad, Maccabi initially blocked his departure, but a compromise was reached this year, allowing him to join one of the world's top leagues.

Meanwhile, Gabi Kancepolsky has returned to Maccabi, rejoining the team after just one season in Hungary. With the team having started the current season perfectly, securing six points from a possible six, Maccabi is rebuilding its squad with the hope of reclaiming the championship title.