Eran Zahavi confesses: "Looking for friends with money"

Eran Zahavi may have recently found time to celebrate an elaborate surprise party for his brother, while spreading humor on social media when he uploaded a picture of the event's producer alongside a smiling jab about his relationship status, saying: "He is single, looking for friends with money." However, behind the scenes, his work continues in full force. Alongside his steps in the business world, which include the upcoming launch of a new padel complex in Israel, Zahavi is already preparing the ground for the day after retiring from the pitch. The star has been accepted and has begun participating in the prestigious UEFA professional managers course (MIP), intended for former international players and designed to provide them with senior management tools in sports.

However, it is Zahavi's quotes regarding his professional future in Israeli football that are stirring the industry. Despite his total identification and great love for Maccabi Tel Aviv, the striker clarified that a future return to the yellow club in a management role is not guaranteed at all, and it depends directly on the offer, the powers, and the level of influence that will be offered to him. Zahavi did not hide his criticism of the preference for foreign professionals over local ones, citing the successes of Lior Refaelov at Maccabi Haifa and Almog Cohen at Beitar Jerusalem, noting that their work is not inferior to that of the managers brought to Kiryat Shalom.

When asked directly about the possibility of him serving as the next professional manager of Maccabi Tel Aviv, Zahavi provided a statement that made waves among the fans. Instead of promising exclusive loyalty, he opened the door wide to scenarios that were considered until now unthinkable: a move to one of the biggest rivals in the league. Zahavi declared that he does not rule out joining clubs like Maccabi Haifa, Beitar Jerusalem, Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Maccabi Netanya, Hapoel Petah Tikva, or even a return to Hapoel Tel Aviv, clarifying that as far as he is concerned everything is open and the decision will be made according to the terms and professionalism of the offer he receives.