Mitch Goldhar on the way to a major deal: "Serious talks"

Ahead of the 2026/2027 football season, Maccabi Tel Aviv is shifting gears to complete its squad puzzle.

After adding two prominent new players — Slovenian striker Aster Sokler, who arrived from Radnički Kragujevac, and midfielder Dan Glazer, who returned for a second stint — the 'Yellows' have turned their eyes to their next target. Under the guidance of coach Kenny Miller and sporting director Steven Vanharen, the club aims to significantly upgrade its front line.

The primary target is 24-year-old winger Thibaud Baeten of Go Ahead Eagles. Baeten has a successful history with sporting director Vanharen, having previously played under him at Beerschot.

"The talks are very serious," reports Hadar Yaakobi, noting that Baeten sits at the top of the club's priority list.

Baeten's great advantage lies in his ability to play on both wings, making him an ideal candidate to replace Amir Sahiti as a right winger. Although he is under contract until 2029, Baeten has only come off the bench in his team's first two games this season, which may hint at a potential transfer.

However, before any foreign recruit can land in Israel, Maccabi Tel Aviv management must resolve the foreign player logjam. Alongside the loan of Henry Addo, the team is working to solve two other situations:

Ion Nicolaescu, who is currently recovering from an injury.
Kervin Andrade, the young Venezuelan talent who is currently refusing a move to Europe, insisting on a transfer exclusively to the Brazilian league.

It remains to be seen how Maccabi Tel Aviv will manage to untangle the roster issues to clear space for the intended recruit before the season's opening whistle.