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Eli Dasa Chose Maccabi Haifa Over Maccabi Tel Aviv After Failed Talks
Israel national team captain Eli Dasa has signed a two-year contract with Maccabi Haifa, returning to the Israeli Premier League after seven years playing in Europe. The 33-year-old right-back joins the club immediately as a free agent, with his salary estimated at $350,000 to $400,000 net per season. Dasa had been without a club since his contract with Dutch side NEC Nijmegen expired at the end of last season.
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What happened
- 01Israel national team captain Eli Dasa signed a two-year contract with Maccabi Haifa as a free agent.
- 02The 33-year-old defender will earn an estimated $350,000 to $400,000 net per season with the club.
- 03Dasa returns to the Israeli Premier League after a seven-year stint playing in the Netherlands and Russia.
- 04He chose Maccabi Haifa after nearly reaching an agreement with reigning league champions Hapoel Be'er Sheva.
- 05Lior Refaelov and goalkeeper Omri Glazer played key roles in recruiting Dasa to the club.
- 06Dasa has earned 81 caps for the Israeli national team and was named captain in 2023.
- 07His versatility allows him to play as a center-back or wing-back in coach Barak Bakhar's 3-4-3 formation.
- 08Maccabi Haifa fans will boycott Monday's match against Hapoel Jerusalem at Teddy Stadium over police conduct concerns.
The signing was finalized on Sunday following two weeks of confidential negotiations. Dasa had also been in advanced talks with reigning league champions Hapoel Be'er Sheva but ultimately chose Maccabi Haifa. His decision to join the club was heavily influenced by his close friend Lior Refaelov, as well as national team roommate and Maccabi Haifa captain Omri Glazer, who both advocated for his arrival.
Dasa's professional career began at Beitar Jerusalem before he moved to Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he won a league championship. In 2019, he moved abroad, playing for Vitesse Arnhem in the Netherlands, Dynamo Moscow in Russia, and finally NEC Nijmegen. He has earned 81 caps for the Israeli national team, becoming captain in 2023.
His arrival is seen as a major reinforcement for coach Barak Bakhar's squad, providing leadership and defensive versatility. Dasa can play as a center-back or wing-back in Maccabi Haifa's preferred 3-4-3 formation. The signing comes as the team prepares to face Hapoel Jerusalem on Monday, a match that Maccabi Haifa fans will boycott due to ongoing disputes with Jerusalem police over fan safety.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 12 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: N12. Read N12’s original
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