Although the transfer window in Israel will only open in about three weeks, Maccabi Haifa already has a fairly clear purchase plan. At the top of the list, of course, is the noble Omar connection. According to estimates, the Greens’ management is expected to meet with the agent of ex-Maccabi Tel Aviv, Ronen Katsav, after the picture regarding his future in Apoel Nicosia becomes clear.
If the Cypriots agree to release the contract of the Israeli midfielder, his path to Maccabi Haifa will be very short. But the matter may get complicated if Apoel Nicosia demands compensation for his release, since Maccabi Haifa is acting according to the safety net and will have to find the appropriate formula for bringing him. Noble himself is interested in joining Maccabi Haifa, giving it priority over Betar Jerusalem and is optimistic about the chances that Apoel Nicosia will not stand in his way and release his contract.
On the other hand, it seems that the deal to join Hatem ‘Abd al-Hamid is much more complicated. He is determined to leave Celtic because of his family’s desire, but the Scots do not intend to give up the high amount paid for him just a year and a half ago (1.8 million euros). Alhamid has not been on Celtic’s squad in its last three games and Maccabi Haifa will be happy to absorb him. Barak Bachar, who coached him at Hapoel Beer Sheva, appreciates him very much.
Haifa is interested in attaching a right-back when there is a clear priority for Alhamid, who can play both as a stopper and not sitting on a foreigner’s slot – but the economic issue has great weight. If Alhamid does not arrive, the Greens will work to add a foreign defender, as Ernest Mabuka has lost his place in the squad and it seems that he too has reconciled with leaving the club as early as January.
