Rotem Keller explains why he turned down Israel’s biggest clubs

Rotem Keller has signed with Hungarian side Debrecen, choosing a move abroad over offers from several major Israeli clubs. The fullback, who came through Maccabi Netanya, said he wanted to leave as a free agent rather than renew in Netanya, even though Hapoel Beersheba, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Beitar Jerusalem and, days before the deal, Maccabi Haifa all tried to sign him.

Keller said the decisive factor was Debrecen’s interest and its European ambitions. “From the first moment I felt this club really wanted me,” he said, adding that its participation in the Conference League qualifiers mattered a great deal. He described Debrecen as a club with “tradition and history,” major fan support, and a clear desire to keep growing.

The defender, who holds a Hungarian passport and is not considered a foreigner there, is making his second stint overseas after a previous loan spell at Diósgyőr. He also pointed to the recent success of Israeli players in Hungary, noting that Mohammed Abu Fani won the league with Ferencváros and that Abu Fani and Gabi Kanichowsky won the cup last season. Keller said he hopes to follow their path and bring “pride” to Israeli football.

In the interview, Keller thanked his agent, Shlomi Ben Ezra, for handling interest from Israel and abroad. He said he always worked hard at Netanya even when selection decisions went against him, and called representing Israel “every player’s dream,” adding, “I believe my time will come.” He also apologized to Beitar Jerusalem supporters for Netanya’s 8-2 defeat, and said he hopes this European move will be longer and more successful than his earlier one.