Will Mohammad Abu Fani return to Israel? The teams that could sign him
Against the backdrop of reports that the Israel national team midfielder might leave Red Star Belgrade, we analyzed which Israeli clubs could financially afford his transfer. Despite the rumors, the player prefers to continue his career in Europe.
Publications in Serbia regarding the future of several players at Red Star Belgrade continue to cause echoes. The most relevant name for Israeli football is that of national team midfielder Mohammad Abu Fani, who was brought in by coach Dejan Stankovic, who resigned following the elimination against Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the Champions League qualifiers.
However, bringing Mohammad Abu Fani back to Israel would require significant financial resources. Red Star is willing to sell the midfielder for 1 million euros, a sum that many top Premier League clubs could theoretically afford.
A total package of 1.5 million euros
Abu Fani's salary in Serbia stands at about 750,000 euros net, and with various bonuses, the figures could exceed 800,000 euros per season.
Since the gross amount is double, even clubs like Maccabi Haifa, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Hapoel Be'er Sheva (assuming Beitar Jerusalem is not in the race) would find it difficult to allocate 1.5 million euros gross for a single player, as this is a total sum exceeding five million shekels from the player salary budget.
Abu Fani's preference: to stay in Europe
At the moment, the situation regarding the player remains uncertain. No professional representatives have spoken with him, so he continues to play for the club as usual according to his contract.
"Only if he is asked to look for another team will the option to return to Israel open up, and even then, Mohammad Abu Fani's priority is to find another club abroad that can pay his salary."
