Maccabi Haifa Signs Forward Andrea Novakovich Ahead of Upcoming Season

Maccabi Haifa announced on Thursday the signing of 29-year-old forward Andrea Novakovich. The player has agreed to terms with the club and is expected to arrive in Israel next week for medical tests and to officially sign his contract. Novakovich will replace Tribente Stewart, who was informed he is no longer part of the club's professional plans.

Novakovich most recently played for Reggiana in Italy's Serie B, scoring five goals in 33 appearances during a season that ended with the team's relegation. He joins Maccabi Haifa as a free agent after his contract expired. Last summer, he reportedly declined an offer from Hapoel Tel Aviv, citing the club's lack of attractiveness.

Born in the United States to Serbian parents, Novakovich developed his career across England, the Netherlands, and Italy. He represented the United States at all youth levels and earned three senior caps in friendly matches in 2018. His career began with Reading's reserve team in England, followed by loans to Cheltenham, Telstar, and Fortuna Sittard. In 2019, he moved to Italian club Frosinone on a free transfer, scoring 19 goals in 101 matches over three seasons before transferring to Venezia for 1.2 million euros. After a season and a half with Venezia and a loan to Lecce, he played for Bari in 2024/25 and then Reggiana last season.

Novakovich's career statistics include 235 games and 34 goals in Italy's second division, 47 games and 15 goals in England's reserve league, 37 games and 21 goals in the Dutch second division, and additional appearances and goals in various cup competitions across England, Italy, and the Netherlands.