Metz Sporting Director Explains Why Boubacar Soumare Transfer to Maccabi Tel Aviv Failed

Maccabi Tel Aviv began their 2026/27 Israeli Premier League season strongly, securing five wins in their first five matches. The club was active during the transfer window, signing Gabi Kanyukovsky and James Tavernier, and was close to acquiring winger Morgan Boubacar from Metz. However, the deal collapsed at the last minute.

Frederic Arpinon, Metz's sporting director, discussed the failed transfer in an interview with French media, detailing the negotiations with Maccabi Tel Aviv. "Regarding Boubacar, everything was almost finalized with the Israeli club that wanted to sign him, but at the last moment, the transfer fell through," Arpinon stated.

Arpinon attributed the deal's collapse to Maccabi Tel Aviv's inability to offload another player. "The Israeli club could not release another player, and therefore could not sign Boubacar," he explained. Boubacar, who was reportedly very close to joining the Israeli team, ultimately remained with Metz as the transfer did not materialize.

Arpinon also mentioned that Boubacar himself was interested in the move, but transfer market circumstances prevented the deal from being completed.