Dramatic conversation between Steven Venharen and Haim Revivo: Will Roy join the match in Sofia?
Amidst the crisis involving the defender, Maccabi Tel Aviv's sporting director spoke with his father in an attempt to ease tensions and convince Roy to join the return leg against CSKA Sofia. Meanwhile, fans are furious over the club's management.
Against the backdrop of ongoing tension between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Roy Revivo, it has emerged that efforts are underway to resolve the conflict. Sporting director Steven Venharen held a personal conversation with the defender's father, Haim Revivo, attempting to convince the former star that his son should join the return leg match this Thursday against CSKA Sofia in the third qualifying round of the Europa League.
Maccabi Tel Aviv officials have expressed strong disapproval of the player's conduct, specifically his refusal to travel to the first match in Batumi following interest from the Spanish club Elche. Venharen and Haim Revivo sought a compromise where the defender would join the team for the match in Bulgaria while the club simultaneously advances negotiations with Elche. Maccabi has set a valuation of three million euros for the defender, a sum Elche is not yet prepared to meet. The club believes that following the breakthrough in talks between Venharen and Haim Revivo, Roy may travel to Sofia and potentially start in the lineup.
Meanwhile, the transfer of Sayed Abu-Farhi to the Colorado Rapids has been agreed in principle. The MLS side will pay Maccabi six million dollars plus one million in bonuses. Under his contract, Abu-Farhi is entitled to 17% of the transfer fee, approximately one million dollars. It remains unclear whether Maccabi will demand a reduction of this clause, as they did with Roy Revivo. Abu-Farhi is expected to earn 400,000 dollars net annually on a four-year deal—the maximum allowed for a player under 22 in MLS.
Other players attracting interest and potential departures include Tyrese Asante and Elio Varela. To date, the 'Yellows' have only added two players: Aster Vranckx and Dan Glazer. This inactivity has caused concern among fans, who sent a letter to management criticizing their conduct during the summer break, citing difficulties in offloading Henry Addo, the freezing of Ion Nicolaescu's contract, and delays in strengthening the squad with local talent.
