For one million euros: Israel national team star returns to Maccabi Tel Aviv
After just one season in Europe, the senior midfielder returns to wear yellow and has agreed to a long-term contract until 2030 that will provide stability and quality to the champions' midfield.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has announced an agreement with the Hungarian club Ferencváros for the transfer of Gabi Kanichowsky, who is returning to the yellow club. The midfielder, who celebrated his 29th birthday last week, will sign a four-year contract with Maccabi and return to wearing the number 16 shirt. He will earn 450,000 euros per season, excluding bonuses. Maccabi will pay a transfer fee of one million euros.
Kanichowsky returns to Israel after a season with Ferencváros, where he won the Hungarian Cup and participated in the team's European campaign. During his time at the Hungarian club, he recorded 56 appearances in all competitions, scored eight goals, and made 21 appearances on the European stage.
For Kanichowsky, this is a return to the club where he spent a significant part of his senior career. He grew up in the youth department of Maccabi Tel Aviv, joining the club at age 16 and a half from Hapoel Ra'anana. In the ranks of the Maccabi Tel Aviv 'Shachar' youth team, he recorded 76 appearances and scored four goals, including a goal against Dynamo Kyiv in the group stage of the UEFA Youth League.
Kanichowsky made his debut for the senior team in October 2015. Later, he went on loan to Hapoel Petah Tikva and Hapoel Acre, before moving to Maccabi Netanya. In the summer of 2021, he returned to Maccabi Tel Aviv and became a significant player in the center of the field.
In his four seasons at Maccabi Tel Aviv before moving to Ferencváros, Kanichowsky recorded 194 appearances in all competitions, scored 27 goals, and provided 46 assists. During this period, he helped win five titles, including two championships in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, two Toto Cups, and the 'Champion of Champions' title in the 2024/25 season.
Now, after one season outside of Israel, Kanichowsky returns to Maccabi Tel Aviv to add experience and quality to the yellow midfield, with a new contract tying him to the club until 2030.
