Maccabi Tel Aviv Loses Defender Stelios Andreou to Portuguese Club Estoril

Maccabi Tel Aviv is likely to seek alternative options to strengthen its central defense after Cypriot defender Stelios Andreou, previously considered a candidate for the team, is set to join Portuguese club Estoril. Reports indicate that Andreou is on his way to Estoril and is expected to undergo medical tests soon to finalize the transfer. The deal between Estoril and Andreou's current club, Polish side Widzew Łódź, reportedly involves a loan with an option to buy, suggesting Estoril has outpaced Maccabi Tel Aviv in securing the 24-year-old defender's services.

Andreou is regarded as one of the standout defenders for the Cyprus national team, having earned 30 caps and scored once. He began his career in the youth ranks of Omonia Nicosia before moving to Olympiakos Nicosia. In summer 2021, Belgian club Charleroi acquired him for approximately 265,000 euros, where he made 126 appearances across all competitions over three seasons, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

Last summer, Widzew Łódź invested around 1.3 million euros to sign Andreou as part of a squad renewal. However, his stint in Poland did not flourish, with 18 league appearances and four cup matches, including a temporary shift to right-back after the club strengthened its central defense during the winter transfer window. Unless there is a last-minute change, Andreou will continue his career in the Portuguese league with Estoril.